Waiting Game: Uncertainty Surrounds WAFCON 2024 Start Date
CAF’s silence on the commencement date of the WAFCON 2024 has plunged teams, players, and fans into a state of uncertainty.
The Africa Women’s Cup of Nations holds a prestigious position in African women’s football, drawing attention from across the continent. Scheduled to take place in Morocco, the upcoming tournament was originally set for May. However, with all 12 teams securing their spots, the absence of confirmed dates has caught many off guard.
Lux September, spokesperson for CAF, responded to inquiries about the tournament’s start date, acknowledging the organization’s efforts to ensure the event proceeds in Morocco this year. He cited challenges arising from discrepancies between FIFA and CAF calendars, further complicated by the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, France, in which African women’s football teams are also expected to participate.
The delay has sparked disappointment and concern among stakeholders, with Kansas City striker Temwa Chawinga voicing apprehension about its impact on African women’s football. Chawinga, recognized globally for topping the world’s goal-scoring charts in 2023, highlighted the dedication of players striving to participate in such prestigious tournaments.
This isn’t the first instance of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations facing cancellation, as it occurred previously in 2020. Veteran sports journalist Osasu Obayiuwana stressed the importance of regular tournament play for the advancement of African women’s football.
Obayiuwana emphasized, “The WAFCON was not played in 2020, so if it is not played this year, it will be the second time in four years. The WAFCON needs to be played to advance the cause of African women’s football.”
Nigeria and Zambia secured qualification with significant aggregate scorelines, completing the lineup of 12 teams.
Qualified Nations: Morocco (Hosts), Algeria, Botswana, DR Congo, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Zambia.
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