The ongoing TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 in Morocco is a vibrant testament to the remarkable evolution of women’s football across the continent.
Now in its 13th edition, the tournament, featuring 12 teams, highlights significant strides in tactical flexibility, the importance of goalkeepers, and the impact of technology in game analysis.
The competition has been thrilling, graced by stars like six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria) and reigning African Player of the Year Barbara Banda (Zambia).
Insights from the CAF Technical Study Group (TSG), including WAFCON 2008 winning coach Clementine Touré, confirm the profound progress.
Touré emphasized the monumental changes since her playing days, noting the increased female presence in all aspects of the tournament and widespread television coverage.
The TSG has observed diverse playing styles, a notable rise in goalkeeping quality, and the emergence of versatile players and sophisticated coaching strategies.
Jacqueline Shipanga, Africa’s only female National Technical Director, highlighted a crucial shift from over-reliance on individual stars to stronger team cohesion.
The CAF Women’s Champions League (CAFWCL), as noted by winning coach Lamia Boumehdi, has also been vital, providing high-level competition that directly improves player fitness and performance.
The WAFCON 2024 has fully embraced technology, with Shilene Booysen, a data analysis expert, stressing its critical role in pre-game preparations and in-game adjustments.
This technological integration has significantly contributed to African teams’ improved global performance.
However, a key area for growth remains the number of female head coaches at the WAFCON. Despite the inspiring legacies of coaches like Touré and Desiree Ellis, greater representation is needed.
