The 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco was meant to be a celebration of African unity and female sporting excellence.

But just days into the tournament, the spotlight has shifted from football to politics, following a series of controversial actions by the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) that threaten to undermine the spirit of the competition.

In a tournament organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to highlight the continent’s progress in women’s football, Algeria has drawn sharp criticism for injecting political tensions into the sporting arena.

The most visible flashpoints include the Algerian women’s national team refusing to pose for the customary pre-match group photo with host nation Morocco, and the FAF’s use of a modified WAFCON logo that conspicuously erased all references to Morocco as the host country.

Pieces of black tape were placed on the Algerian team’s bench to cover the logo of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which features the word “Morocco.”

Observers and stakeholders have condemned the moves as deliberate political provocations that challenge the values of fair play and pan-African solidarity.

“This is not just poor sportsmanship—it’s an intentional act of symbolic erasure,” said one tournament official.

 “It sends a message that the competition’s legitimacy is in question simply because it is hosted by Morocco.”

The tension reflects deeper diplomatic rifts between the two North African neighbours, but critics argue that sport should remain a neutral ground.

“When football fields become extensions of political borders, the healing power of sport is lost,” a former African Union sports envoy warned.

Players themselves have expressed dismay at being caught in the middle of a geopolitical conflict.

“We didn’t come here for this,” a West African player said. “We came to compete, not to carry the burden of political disputes.”

The controversy has placed CAF in the spotlight, with growing calls for decisive action. Many believe the governing body must assert its authority by sanctioning behaviour that compromises the unity and credibility of African football.

“If CAF fails to act,” one commentator noted, “it risks creating a dangerous precedent. What comes next—anthem protests, referee walkouts, or politically motivated match forfeits?”

Critics stress that this is not a call for Algeria’s exclusion, but a call for order. The silence of governing bodies, they warn, could pave the way for future disruptions that overshadow the achievements of the athletes themselves.

“This tournament should be about African women making history,” said a regional football analyst. “Instead, it risks becoming a case study in how not to mix politics with sport.”

As CAF deliberates its response, the integrity of the Women’s AFCON—and African football more broadly—hangs in the balance.

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Mali clinched a hard-fought 1-0 win over Tanzania in their Group C opener at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Berkane on Monday evening, boosting their chances of advancing in the expanded continental tournament.

The decisive goal came in first-half stoppage time through Saratou Traoré, who calmly slotted home from the centre of the box after a well-worked set-piece routine.

Her precise finish into the bottom right corner proved enough to separate the two sides in a match that was high on effort but short on goals.

Tanzania responded with urgency in the second half, carving out several clear opportunities. Stumai Athumani nearly levelled with a powerful header in the 56th minute, forcing a sharp save from Mali goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao.

Elizabeth Chenge also came close later on, but Mali’s defence remained resolute.

Karentao delivered a standout performance, commanding her area with authority and making key saves to preserve her side’s slender advantage.

Despite Tanzania’s attacking push—particularly in stoppage time where they earned late free kicks and sustained pressure—they were unable to find a breakthrough.

Donisia Minja’s effort in the 95th minute sailed over the bar, ending their hopes of a late equaliser.

The win gives Mali a crucial three points in a tightly contested Group C, enhancing their prospects of progressing to the knockout stage. Tanzania, meanwhile, will need a response in their next fixture to stay in the hunt for qualification.

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Reigning champions South Africa opened their 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with an assured 2-0 victory over Ghana in their Group C opener on Monday in Oujda, Morocco.

First-half goals from Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe sealed the win for Banyana Banyana, who wasted no time asserting their credentials as one of the favourites in the expanded 12-team tournament.

Coach Desiree Ellis’ side controlled the tempo from the onset and were rewarded in the 28th minute after a VAR review confirmed a penalty for a foul on Noxolo Cesane. Motlhalo calmly converted, sending Ghanaian goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan the wrong way.

Just six minutes later, South Africa doubled their lead through Seoposenwe, who latched onto a precise through ball from full-back Lebohang Ramalepe and finished clinically into the far corner.

Ghana, returning to the continental stage after missing the 2022 edition, struggled to cope with South Africa’s pace and organisation in the first half. Though the Black Queens showed more attacking intent after the break, they were left frustrated by missed opportunities. Evelyn Badu and Alice Kusi both rattled the crossbar, while South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini pulled off a string of important saves to maintain her clean sheet.

South Africa expertly managed the closing stages, introducing substitutes Hildah Magaia and Ronnel Donnelly to consolidate possession and stifle Ghana’s late attempts at a comeback.

The result extends South Africa’s strong record in WAFCON openers, with the team having now won their last three tournament curtain-raisers, including notable victories over Nigeria in 2018 and 2022.

Ghana must now regroup quickly, with crucial matches against Mali and Tanzania to come in a competitive Group C.

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