The 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Final
The 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Final will be the 14th final match of the tournament, the international women’s football competition of Africa, organized by the Confederation Of African Football (CAF). The match will take place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Saturday, July 23rd in Rabat, Morocco between the hosts Morocco also known as Atlas Lionesses and South Africa also known as Banyana Banyana to determine the winner in this years’ competition. For the first time there will be a new champion since 2012 and also the first final to not feature either Nigeria or Equatorial Guinea, the only teams to have won the competition.
Having failed to qualify for any of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations since 2000, Morocco was awarded as hosts of the 2022 edition which automatically made them qualify, the first Women’s AFCON after 22 years. Prior to hosting the only appearance were back in 1998 and 2000 edition. In this years’ tournament they have been on top form topping their group in style, winning all three games against Burkina Faso (1-0), Uganda (3-1) and Senegal (1-0). Morocco then found themselves in the quarter-finals against debutant and minnows Botswana, which they beat (2-1), guaranteeing a place in the Semi-finals for the first time ever. They faced continental power house and 11-time champions Nigeria for the third time at WAFCON. Morocco defied the odds ending Nigeria’s 8-year reign as the champions after a tense penalty shootout, bringing Morocco the first ever WAFCON Final in history.
Banyana Banyana hold a record as having reached the most final without a win, having failed five times before, the most recent being the 2018 Final, losing to Nigeria on penalties. South Africa began their quest for the trophy by meeting fellow powerhouse Nigeria where they triumphed 2-1 over the defending champions. South Africa then beat Burundi 3-1 and Botswana 1-0 to top the group and book a place in the last eight. Banyana Banyana the met Tunisia beating them 1-0 to seal a place in the semi-final. South Africa then met Zambia a tough team to beat the match was goalless until a second half’s injury time penalty was awarded to Banyana Banyana to give them a 1-0 win and secure their sixth WAFCON FINAL. The first time they have reached back to back final of the WAFCON. We can tell both teams will be hungry with the form they have been in it’s going to be an intense match for sure. The question is will Morocco win their first final on home soil or will South Africa break the curse of never winning in a final? Let’s wait and witness history.
Expert Pick: Both teams to score (BTS)
