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| CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations | |
|---|---|
| Name | CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations |
| Organiser | Confederation of African Football |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Region | Africa |
| Number of teams | 12 (finals) |
| Current champion | South Africa (2022) |
| Most successful club | Nigeria (11 titles) |
CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations
The CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations is the premier international women's football competition for national teams organised by the Confederation of African Football and contested by representatives of member associations such as Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Morocco. The tournament has served as a qualifier for FIFA events including the FIFA Women's World Cup and has featured players linked to clubs like Rivers Angels F.C., Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC, Raja CA women's and AS FAR. CAF's competition parallels tournaments such as the UEFA Women's Championship, CONCACAF W Championship, AFC Women's Asian Cup and CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina.
The championship debuted in 1991 after discussions among officials from Confederation of African Football, national associations including the Nigeria Football Federation and South African Football Association, and stakeholders like the International Federation of Association Football and regional bodies such as the West African Football Union. Early editions featured dominant teams like Nigeria led by players linked to clubs such as Ufuoma Babes and later stars who joined Arsenal W.F.C. and Olympique Lyonnais Féminin. Political contexts involving governments of Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and South Africa influenced hosting and eligibility, while controversies over player eligibility and governance intersected with institutions including the Court of Arbitration for Sport and FIFA Ethics Committee. The tournament expanded in parallel with continental growth in women's football promoted by federations such as Ghana Football Association, Senegal Football Federation and initiatives by the International Olympic Committee.
Qualification has involved two-legged ties and group stages administered by Confederation of African Football and regional unions like the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations and West African Football Union Zone A. Finals formats evolved from eight-team brackets to 12-team group-and-knockout structures used alongside rules from FIFA and match officials appointed from panels including referees from Egypt Football Association and South African Football Association. The competition also serves as qualifying route for the FIFA Women's World Cup and coordination with tournaments such as the African Games and underage events run by UEFA partners and the AFC. Changes to squad sizes, substitution rules and VAR trials aligned the tournament with practices from European Club Association and recommendations from FIFA's Technical Study Group.
Winners list includes multiple champions with Nigeria holding the record for most titles and teams like South Africa, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea securing championships. Top goalscorers and awardees have come from clubs such as Rivers Angels F.C., Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC, Ifeanyi Ubah F.C. alumni and stars who later joined Paris Saint-Germain Féminines and FC Barcelona Femení. Records for appearances, clean sheets and hat-tricks involve players associated with the Nigeria Football Federation, Moroccan Royal Football Federation and coaching figures who worked with federations like Ghana Football Association and Cameroon Football Federation.
National teams participating over editions include established sides like Nigeria and South Africa, emerging teams such as Morocco and Zambia, and guest competitors influenced by federations including the Equatorial Guinea Football Federation and Kenya Football Federation. Player pathways link domestic clubs like AS Police (Mali), Hasaacas Ladies F.C., Bayelsa Queens F.C. and international transfers to Chelsea F.C. Women, Manchester United W.F.C. and academies such as Clairefontaine. Participation trends reflect development programs supported by organisations like the African Union and funding partners including FIFA Forward.
Host nations have included Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, Nigeria, Gabon and Morocco, with stadia such as Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Mbombela Stadium and Stade d'Angondjé staging matches. Host selection involved bids from federations including the Football Association of Zambia and logistical coordination with national ministries from Morocco and Senegal as well as broadcast partners like SuperSport and rights holders tied to Canal+ and beIN Sports.
Awards presented include the Golden Ball, Golden Boot and Best Goalkeeper, recognising players linked to clubs like Rivers Angels F.C., Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC and European teams such as Real Madrid Femenino. Statistical records track appearances, goals, assists and disciplinary records kept by Confederation of African Football statisticians and published alongside reports from FIFA and media outlets including BBC Sport and ESPN. Individual accolades have advanced careers leading to transfers to clubs such as Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, FC Barcelona Femení and Paris Saint-Germain Féminines.
The tournament catalysed growth in women's football across federations such as the Nigeria Football Federation, South African Football Association, Moroccan Royal Football Federation and Ghana Football Association, contributing players to global competitions like the FIFA Women's World Cup and influencing policies at bodies including FIFA and the African Union Sports Council. Legacy effects include increased investment from sponsors like TotalEnergies and broadcasters such as SuperSport, development of youth academies linked to UEFA projects, and enhanced visibility for athletes who have joined clubs including Chelsea F.C. Women and Manchester City W.F.C..
Category:African women's football competitions