The stage is set for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024, and defending champions South Africa are gearing up for another exciting campaign.

The draw, conducted in Rabat, has placed South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in Group C alongside Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania, setting the stage for an intriguing contest in their quest to retain the title.

As the highest-ranked team in their group (50th globally and 2nd in Africa), Banyana Banyana will carry the weight of expectations. Their closest competition in terms of rankings is Ghana, positioned 66th in the world and 5th on the continent.

The Black Queens are a formidable side, with a history of success, including silver medals in 1998, 2002, and 2006. Mali (81st globally) and Tanzania (145th) round out the group, with both teams eager to challenge the reigning champions and make their mark on the tournament.

The WAFCON 2024 draw marked a pivotal moment in African women’s football. Hosted in Rabat, the event brought together key figures, including CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe and Morocco’s football chief Fouzi Lekjaa, along with legends of the game.

South Africa’s Andile Dlamini, Banyana’s star goalkeeper, played a special role as one of the draw assistants, further highlighting the nation’s strong presence in the tournament. South Africa’s group appears manageable on paper, but the road to glory is never easy.

Ghana’s storied history and Mali’s competitive edge present tough hurdles, while Tanzania, despite their lower ranking, cannot be underestimated. The mix of experience and emerging talent among these teams will ensure fiercely contested matches.

Elsewhere in the tournament, the host nation Morocco finds itself in Group A, widely regarded as the “group of death,” featuring Zambia, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Nigeria, Africa’s most decorated women’s team, will face Botswana, Tunisia, and Algeria in Group B, setting up thrilling encounters across all groups.

Scheduled to take place from July 5 to 26, 2025, in Morocco, the WAFCON promises to showcase the best of African women’s football.

As Banyana Banyana embark on their title defense, their skill, determination, and experience will be put to the test. With the eyes of the continent on them, South Africa’s quest for back-to-back triumphs is set to be a highlight of the tournament.

For South Africans and football fans across Africa, WAFCON 2024 represents not just a competition but a celebration of the growing stature of women’s football on the continent.

Will Banyana Banyana rise to the occasion and defend their crown? July 2025 will reveal the answer.

WAFCON 2024 DRAW:

Group A

Morocco

Zambia

Senegal

Congo

Group B

Nigeria

Tunisia

Algeria

Botswana

Group C

South Africa

Ghana

Mali

Tanzania