This Saturday, Morocco plays host to the 15th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where twelve of the continent’s finest teams will battle over three weeks for a share of a $2.4 million prize pool. From reigning champions South Africa to nine-time winners Nigeria, the tournament promises high drama, fierce rivalries, and the chance for emerging sides to announce themselves on Africa’s biggest stage.
In this comprehensive preview, i unpack the full prize money breakdown, outline the group-stage landscape, separate the genuine title contenders from the hopeful pretenders, predict who might lift the trophy, and spotlight the players most likely to turn the tide in key matches. Read on to get everything you need before the opening whistle.
Prize Money Breakdown
The total prize pool stands at $2.4 million. The champions pocket $500,000, the runners-up receive $300,000, each semi-finalist earns $225,000, quarter-finalists take home $180,000, the best third-placed side gets $130,000, and the remaining fourth-placed teams share $100,000 each.
Championship Overview
The 15th edition kicks off this Saturday in Morocco and runs through late July. Twelve nations are split into three groups of four. The top two in each group, plus the two best third-placed teams, advance to the quarter-finals.
Groups
- A: Morocco, Zambia, Senegal, DR Congo
- B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, Botswana
- C: South Africa, Ghana, Mali, Tanzania
Contenders vs Pretenders
Several sides aim for glory, while others will seek to spring upsets and gain experience.
Contenders
- Nigeria: Nine-time champions with unmatched pedigree
- South Africa: Defending champions riding a wave of confidence
- Morocco: Hosts buoyed by passionate home support
- Zambia: 2022 bronze medallists powered by dynamic forwards
Pretenders
- Ghana, Senegal, DR Congo
- Tunisia, Algeria, Botswana
- Mali, Tanzania
Probable Winner
A showdown between Nigeria and South Africa seems inevitable. Nigeria’s historic dominance gives them a slight edge, but South Africa’s current form makes them genuine title threats.
Players to Watch
- Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria): Five-time African Footballer of the Year and clinical finisher
- Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa): Lightning-quick forward with big-game pedigree
- Barbra Banda (Zambia): Powerful striker thriving abroad
- Racheal Kundananji (Zambia): Young goal machine with electric pace
- Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria): Goalkeeper whose acrobatic saves can decide matches
- Awa Diakhaté (Senegal): Marseille-based talent blending skill and flair
