Sports Desk
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled a brand-new trophy for the 2024 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), in a bold move to further elevate the status of women’s football on the continent.
The unveiling ceremony took place on Wednesday, July 2, in Rabat, Morocco — the host nation of this year’s tournament. Held under an atmosphere of excitement and grandeur, the event was attended by top CAF officials, football dignitaries, and representatives from the 12 nations set to compete in the tournament.
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe was not present at the ceremony, but senior executives represented the governing body in what was described as a strategic step towards repositioning women’s football in Africa. The newly designed trophy reflects a modern, bold vision for the game, and is intended to inspire the next generation of female footballers across the continent.
“This new trophy is more than just silverware — it represents the growth, ambition, and pride of African women’s football,” a CAF spokesperson said during the presentation. “WAFCON 2024 is set to be historic, and we believe this new symbol reflects our renewed commitment to excellence in the women’s game.”
The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will officially kick off on Saturday, July 6, with an exciting opening fixture that sees hosts Morocco, the Atlas Lionesses, face off against Zambia’s Copper Queens at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The match promises to be a thrilling opener, as both nations boast talented squads and strong ambitions heading into the tournament.
Among the teams competing are some of the continent’s traditional powerhouses, including Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Ghana’s Black Queens, Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses, and South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, who enter the tournament as defending champions.
Banyana Banyana clinched their maiden WAFCON title in 2022, defeating Morocco in a dramatic final held in Casablanca. Their victory marked a turning point for South African women’s football and ended Nigeria’s long-standing dominance in the competition. This year, the South Africans will look to defend their crown, led by experienced stars such as Thembi Kgatlana and Linda Motlhalo.
The introduction of the new trophy adds a layer of excitement and prestige to a tournament that has grown significantly in recent years. CAF’s decision to redesign the WAFCON trophy underscores its broader strategy to raise the profile of women’s football in Africa, not just through marketing and infrastructure investment, but also by building a competitive and inspiring image for the tournament.
Rabat’s selection as the venue for the unveiling is symbolic in itself. Morocco has been one of the standout nations when it comes to investment in women’s football. The country’s national team made history in 2023 by becoming the first North African country to qualify for the knockout stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, further cementing its status as a rising force in the women’s game.
The 2024 tournament will feature 12 teams, drawn into three groups of four, battling it out for continental glory and a place in African football history. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarterfinals.
Fans across Africa and beyond are eagerly anticipating the competition, with matches set to be broadcast globally. CAF has partnered with several media outlets and digital platforms to ensure maximum visibility and reach, further enhancing the tournament’s appeal.
In addition to the new trophy, CAF is also expected to unveil new branding for WAFCON, including a refreshed logo, tournament anthem, and themed campaigns aimed at promoting gender equality and youth empowerment through sport.
“We want every African girl watching WAFCON 2024 to believe that she can become a champion,” CAF’s women’s football development officer stated. “This trophy isn’t just for the winning team — it’s for every young girl who dreams of playing for her country.”
As the countdown to kickoff begins, all eyes are now on Rabat, where some of the finest talents in African women’s football will converge to compete for the continent’s ultimate prize. With the introduction of a brand-new trophy, improved visibility, and growing fan support, the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations promises to be the most exciting and impactful edition in the tournament’s history.
Stay tuned to Africa Live News for exclusive coverage, match previews, and all the latest updates on WAFCON 2024.
