The wait is over. The continent is ready. This Saturday, July 5, the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off in Morocco — and this isn’t just another edition of Africa’s premier women’s tournament.

No, this one feels different. It feels louder, brighter, more ambitious. Why? Because everything about this year screams evolution.

From a brand-new trophy and record prize money to a field bursting with talent, WAFCON 2025 is set to shift the goalposts for the women’s game on the continent.

And the slogan for this year’s spectacle says it all: Born Winners.

CAF didn’t hold back with this one. The energy is unmistakable. The message is clear. This is a tournament for the resilient, the fearless, the women who’ve fought to turn the sport into a stage — and now, they finally get the spotlight they deserve.

A New Era, A New Crown

CAF officially unveiled the new WAFCON trophy on the evening of July 2 in a sleek ceremony ahead of the tournament kickoff. Visually bold and deeply symbolic, the new trophy features a golden, upward-spiraling design crowned with a spherical top that represents unity and excellence across the continent.

According to CAF’s official statement, the design was chosen to reflect the rising stature of women’s football in Africa, blending modern elegance with elements of heritage. Crafted with a combination of gold and metallic finishes, the trophy mirrors the ambition of the tournament itself — forward-looking and unapologetically elite.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe described the new silverware as a “tribute to the progress of the women’s game” and a bold celebration of the players who continue to redefine what’s possible on African soil. It made its debut under the Rabat lights, setting the stage for Morocco’s opener against Zambia.

Breaking the Bank — For Good Reason

The investment matches the ambition. CAF has tripled the prize money, with this year’s winners set to walk away with $2.4 million, up from just under $1 million in the last edition. It’s a massive statement — not just about the growth of the game, but the growing respect it commands.

This is no longer the quiet cousin of AFCON. This is WAFCON — and it’s making noise.

Defending Queens, Super Powers & Sneaky Threats

Let’s talk football. Because the pitch is where the real statements are made.

Banyana Banyana – Champions With a Point to Prove

South Africa arrive in Morocco not just as participants, but as reigning champions. Banyana Banyana made history in 2022 by clinching their first-ever WAFCON title, ending Nigeria’s long-standing dominance and shifting the balance of power in African women’s football. That win was more than a trophy — it was a statement.

Now they return with a squad that blends experience, hunger, and a bit of something to prove. The group features stalwarts like Thembi Kgatlana, who continues to be South Africa’s fire-starter up front, and Linda Motlhalo, the midfield technician known for her vision and precision. Andile Dlamini holds down the fort in goal with the calm presence of a true number one.

Placed in Group C alongside Ghana, Mali and Tanzania, South Africa won’t have it easy. Ghana, in particular, will circle their clash with Banyana as a chance to reassert their regional clout. But head coach Desiree Ellis — who guided this team to glory three years ago and won the CAF Women’s Coach of the Year award in the process — has built a team that doesn’t shy away from pressure.

According to SAFA, preparations have been “methodical and intense,” with Ellis emphasising tactical flexibility and mental resilience as the cornerstones of their title defence. From high-altitude training camps to closed-door friendlies, every session has been tailored to defend the crown.

But Banyana know defending a title is tougher than winning it. The spotlight is on them now. The continent expects. And that’s exactly how they like it.

Super Falcons – Always a Threat

Then there’s Nigeria. The Super Falcons have a legacy no one else can touch — 9-time WAFCON champions and serial dominators. They’re in Group B with Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana, and if history means anything, they’ll cruise through. But this team isn’t just about heritage — it’s about now. Asisat Oshoala leads the line with Champions League experience and golden boots to match. Behind her, Toni Payne and Christy Ucheibe offer control and aggression. On paper? They’re favourites. On the pitch? We’ll see if they can turn legacy into one more title.

Host Nation Morocco – The People’s Team

Morocco almost stole the show in 2022 when they reached the final on home soil. This time, with an even stronger squad and the advantage of passionate home crowds, they may just go all the way. Led by Ghizlane Chebbak and boosted by the return of Fatima Tagnaout, Morocco are in Group A with Zambia, Senegal and DR Congo. They’ve got flair, they’ve got belief, and they’ve got Jorge Vilda — the man who coached Spain to the Women’s World Cup title in 2023 — now steering their ship.

Zambia – Ready to Shock Again

Watch out for Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji. Zambia might be WAFCON’s most exciting wild card. They’re direct, fearless and never dull. In Group A, they’ll test Morocco in the opener — and no one should be surprised if they go deep.

The Draw: A Quick Glance

Group A: Morocco, Zambia, Senegal, DR Congo

Group B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, BotswanaGroup C: South Africa, Ghana, Mali, Tanzania

This year’s WAFCON is more than a competition. It’s a movement. With record viewership expected, CAF’s rebranding, the new slogan “Born Winners”, and the glitzy unveiling of a new trophy, the message is undeniable: African women’s football isn’t rising — it’s arrived.

From Chebbak’s leadership to Oshoala’s goals, from Banda’s brilliance to Seoposenwe’s steel, the continent is bursting with talent ready to shine on the biggest stage. So buckle up. WAFCON 2025 isn’t just another tournament — it’s Africa’s biggest football festival, and it’s finally giving the women the glory they’ve earned.

Born winners. Built for greatness. Ready for battle.Let the games begin.