The Women's AFCON 2022 has delivered its verdict. A competition that kept the many fans in the continent on their toes. Sport News Africa offers you some points to remember from the 2022 edition.
First coronation for South Africa
The fifth time was the right one. After losing four Women's CAN finals (2000, 2008, 2012 and 2018), South Africa finally won the title. The Banyana Banyana thus put an end to their famine.
In addition, the rainbow nation becomes only the third winner of the Women's AFCON. Before her, only Nigeria with nine titles, and Equatorial Guinea with two victories, had lifted the trophy.
Nigeria miss out on everything
A true scarecrow of women's football in Africa, Nigeria was expected as the big favorite of the tournament. If several countries can settle for a semi-final, the Super Falcons they are probably disappointed. Eliminated by Morocco in the semi-finals, the Nigerians then lost the third-place match to Zambia. As a result of the race, Nigeria returns empty-handed from this Women's AFCON.
This is only the second time in its history that Nigeria did not win any award in the Women's AFCON. The only time, before the 2022 edition, was in 2012 in Equatorial Guinea. The Super Falcons had lost the small final against Cameroon.
Successful bet for Morocco
This Women's AFCON in Morocco is a success in several respects. First of all, because the organizing country has succeeded in mobilizing people. The 50,000 spectators present to attend the final on Saturday are proof of this. Secondly, because the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) had made this competition a real test for its selection.
For its third participation in the competition, Morocco has exceeded the first round for the first time this year, and reached the final. The FRMF had put the means. Indeed, it had invested no less than 6 million euros in a development program for women's soccer. The goal is to reach 90,000 professional players and 10,000 coaches by 2024. FAR Rabat, which provided eight players to the Moroccan national team during the AFCON, reached the final of the first edition of the Champions League.
Attacks in full swing
This Women's AFCON is also to be placed under the sign of the attack. From the beginning to the end of the competition, 26 matches were played. The opportunity for the followers to see 62 goals scored.
For comparison, we had 51 goals during the previous competition, in 2018. Proof if it is needed that the African women's soccer is on the way to progress.
Zambia has overcome the absence of Barbara Banda
At the beginning of this competition, all Zambian hopes rested on the shoulders of one player: Barbara Banda. But surprise, the player was excluded from the tournament because of the gender eligibility tests. Basically, she has too much testosterone.
Despite the loss of its best player, Zambia has achieved the best Women's CAN in its history. A first medal for the Copper Queens, also qualified for the next World Cup.
