Just the FAQs!

Host selection

Question: How was Morocco selected as the host country for the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations?

Morocco was officially announced as the host of the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations on 15 January 2021. This marked the first time that a North African Arab country hosted the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, an important milestone reflecting the growing interest and investment in women's football in the region. The announcement was made by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), emphasizing Morocco's capabilities and enthusiasm for hosting such a significant tournament.

Qualification

Question: How did teams qualify for the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations?

Morocco automatically qualified as the host nation for the tournament. The remaining eleven spots were filled through qualification rounds held prior to the tournament. These rounds involved various African national teams competing to secure their place in the tournament, emphasizing the competitive nature of women's football across the continent. The qualification process was crucial in determining the representation of different nations at the WAFCON.

Final positions

Question: What were the final standings of the teams in the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations?

The final standings of the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations were as follows: South Africa claimed the championship title, marking their first WAFCON victory. Morocco finished in second place after losing the final. Zambia secured third place, while Nigeria came in fourth. Alongside these positions, South Africa and Nigeria became the only countries to have won both men's and women’s continental competitions, showcasing their football prowess on both fronts.

Tournament details

Question: What were the key details of the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2022)?

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The 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, known for sponsorship reasons as the TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations, was held in Morocco from 2 to 23 July 2022. This tournament represented the 14th edition of the WAFCON, featuring 12 teams competing across 3 venues in two host cities: Rabat and Casablanca. South Africa emerged as the champions, clinching their first title, while Morocco finished as the runners-up. This edition also served as the African qualifiers for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, with the top four teams qualifying directly, and two additional teams advancing to the inter-confederation play-offs.

Tournament statistics

Question: What were the key statistics from the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations?

Throughout the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, a total of 28 matches were played, resulting in 63 goals scored. The tournament averaged 2.25 goals per match, showcasing a lively competitive spirit among the teams. The top scorers of the tournament were Ghizlane Chebbak, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Hildah Magaia, each scoring 3 goals. The best player award was given to Ghizlane Chebbak for her outstanding performance during the tournament, further highlighting her contribution to Morocco's strong showing in the competition.

Mascot

Question: What is the significance of the mascot "TITRIT" in the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations?

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The mascot for the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, named "TITRIT" (meaning "star" or "celebrity" in Moroccan Berber), is a young lioness, embodying the spirit of the tournament. Dressed in the home jersey of Morocco's national football team, TITRIT represents not only the host nation but also the celebration of women's football across Africa. This symbolizes empowerment and ambition, encouraging young girls throughout the continent to pursue their dreams in sports. The choice of a lioness also resonates with the strength and tenacity of the players in the tournament, making TITRIT a powerful figure in promoting women's football initiatives in the region.

Match officials

Question: How were referees selected for the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, and what challenges did they face?

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For the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, a total of 16 referees, 16 assistant referees, and 8 VAR referees were appointed from various African nations. The selection included a mix of experienced officials, which enhanced the level of officiating during the tournament. One noted challenge appeared when Fatima El Ajjani, originally slated to serve solely as a VAR official, was elevated to a principal referee position due to the injury of another referee, showcasing the flexibility and adaptability required of match officials at high-stakes events. The commitment of these referees not only ensured fair play but also contributed to the overall success of the tournament, encouraging women in officiating roles in a typically male-dominated field.

Knockout stage

Question: What made the knockout stage of the tournament particularly noteworthy in terms of competitive outcomes?

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The knockout stage of the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations was remarkable for producing thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes. The standout moment was the semifinals, where Morocco, the hosts, faced off against Nigeria in a tense match that ended in penalties, marking the first time Nigeria had not made it to the final. Notably, the matches exhibited high levels of competitiveness, illustrated by close scores and dramatic goals. Furthermore, this stage was pivotal as it determined the four teams that would qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, elevating the stakes for every match and drawing significant international interest—evidencing the growing investment and enthusiasm surrounding women's football in Africa.

Draw

Question: What was the process behind the draw for the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, and what strategic considerations were made?

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The final draw for the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations took place in Rabat on April 29, 2022. During the draw, teams were strategically placed into three groups of four, with top teams such as Morocco, Nigeria (the defending champions), and Cameroon seeded into specific positions based on their FIFA rankings. This arrangement aimed to ensure a balanced competition and maintain excitement throughout the tournament. By considering previous performances and current form, the draw not only set the stage for competitive group play but also maximized opportunities for fan engagement and media coverage, enhancing the tournament's profile.

Venues

Question: What venues were used for the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, and what were their capacities?

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The 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations was hosted in two cities, Rabat and Casablanca, featuring three main venues: the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, which has a capacity of 50,000; Stade Moulay Hassan in Rabat with a capacity of 12,000; and Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, which can accommodate approximately 45,891 spectators. These venues not only provided modern facilities but also played a significant role in boosting the visibility and popularity of women's football in Morocco and the broader African continent. The selection of these venues highlighted Morocco's commitment to delivering a world-class tournament and enhancing the infrastructure for future sporting events.