WAFCON favourites: Who will take the crown?

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Jul 01, 2025. 15:00

With the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations set to begin on 5 July, multiple teams have been touted to make deep runs in the tournament. Both historical powerhouses and rising giants are posed to challenge for the title in what could be anyone’s tournament.

Nigeria

Nigeria are the most dominant team in WAFCON’s history and will be looking to return to the top of the pile.

The Super Falcons have claimed nine titles since the competition shifted to a tournament format in 1998. Their worst performances came in 2010 and 2022 where the nation finished fourth. By the nation’s standards, their last WAFCON performance was sub-par as the Super Falcons fell 1-0 to Zambia in the third-place playoff game.

Nigeria will face Algeria, Botswana and Tunisia in group B, which the Super Falcons are expected to top.

Morocco

There is no denying that Morocco is a rising powerhouse in women’s football on the continent. The country has invested heavily in the women’s game as well as infrastructure, constructing new stadiums and renovating older venues. The investment has paid off, with AS FAR winning the Women’s CAF Champions League in 2022 and the national team advancing to the WAFCON final in 2022.

Morocco have only participated in WAFCON on three previous occasions (1998, 2000, 2022). After a long hiatus, the Atlas Lionesses announced their return to the continental stage in emphatic fashion. As hosts of the 2022 tournament, they reached the final where they were upset by South Africa 2-1.

With WAFCON returning to Morocco this year, the Atlas Lionesses will have another chance to claim the continental crown on home soil.

South Africa

As defending champions, South Africa are among the favourites to win it all at this year’s edition.

Banyana Banyana have a history of heartbreak at the tournament. Prior to winning the tournament in 2022, South Africa finished as runners-up on four occasions (2000, 2008, 2012, 2018) and claimed the bronze medal twice (2006, 2010). Since the adoption of the tournament format in 1998, Banyana Banyana have only finished outside of a podium position on four occasions (1998, 2002, 2014, 2016)

Head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has opted for a balance of youth and experience, with 14 players from their 2022 campaign included in the squad for this year’s tournament.

Banyana Banyana’s pre-tournament performances were a mixed bag. The continental champions almost blew a three goal lead against Botswana, winning 3-2, before a more dominant display against Zambia, defeating the Copper Queens 2-0.

Ghana

Ghana is a team on the rise and looks set to return to its former competitive state at this year’s WAFCON. The nation’s new generation, backed by increased investment, has spurred a revival which could prove deadly in Morocco this July.

The Black Queens enjoyed stellar performances in the early years of the tournament, finishing second three times (1998, 2002, 2006) and third twice (2000, 2004) in the first five editions of the tournament format. They returned to the podium in 2016, claiming third place, but were nicked out in the group stage in 2018 and did not qualify for the tournament in 2022. They will be looking to announce their return to WAFCON with a bang.

Ghana’s biggest test in the group stages will come in their opening game against reigning champions South Africa, which will be a true test of their metal. They will also face Mali and Tanzania in group C in their attempt to reach the tournament’s knockout stage.

By Nic Gleeson