Dates for Afcon 2025 and Wafcon 2024 finals announced
A delay in holding Wafcon will again raise questions about Caf’s commitment to the women’s game – given that the 2020 edition was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic while the men’s 2021 tournament was merely postponed.
Deciding when to hold the 12-team 2024 Wafcon finals was complicated by the fact that record nine-time winners Nigeria and Zambia will be participating in the Paris Olympics this July and August.
Speaking before the announcement by Caf was made, Nigeria international Desire Oparanozie told BBC Sport Africa that a delay would set the women’s game in Africa back.
“Not having this tournament when we should have it is going to take us maybe 10 steps backward,” the forward said.
“When it comes to women’s football, we’re still trying to get to where we need to be.
“I think, first of all, it’s [a] lack of prioritising women’s football in Africa, because you can’t tell me it’s the same thing when it comes to the men.”
Qualifying for the 2024 Wafcon was completed last December, which means players and coaches will have waited over 18 months for the finals by the time the tournament starts.
Earlier this month Desiree Ellis, coach of reigning women’s continental champions South Africa, was critical of Caf’s handling of the situation.
“If it (Wafcon) is postponed or cancelled, it will be a huge, huge disappointment,” the 61-year-old told BBC Sport Africa.
Caf president Motsepe said he was “impressed” by the growth of women’s football on the continent.
“I am expecting the Wafcon Morocco 2024 to be immensely successful,” he added.
