WAFCON finally underway but faces familiar problems – DW – 07/15/2025
The rescheduled women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is underway in Morocco, a year later than planned. The tournament sees some of the best players in the world fighting for glory, but as players and nations emerge, familiar problems linger that threaten to stop the tournament from reaching its full potential.
While not a traditional powerhouse, Morocco is becoming the emerging epicenter of women's football on the continent. Thanks to no competing bids and some of the best stadiums in Africa, Morocco have become a stable and safe choice for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host the tournament. They are hosting again this time around, after having hosted in 2022. They are also set to host in 2026.
Recent investment in the women's game in Morocco is clearly paying off. The women's team unexpectedly reached the World Cup knockout stages in 2023 and have developed star players such as captain and legend Ghizlane Chebbak, who scored a hat trick against DR Congo in the group stage of this year's WAFCON. Under Jorge Vilda, the former Spain coach who was sacked after the 2023 scandal involving former Spanish Federation President Luis Rubiales, Morocco are daring to challenge the established football forces of Nigeria and South Africa. They also have the potential to deliver lasting cultural change to both northern Africa and the rest of the continent.
Elsewhere at this year's WAFCON, Nigerian superstar Asisat Oshoala, Zambia's striking duo of Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji and South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis are just some of the star-studded names that make this tournament one of the most intriguing ever.
And yet, the tournament is held back from reaching its full potential by off-field decisions. As a result of the delay, scheduling for the tournament only came out at the end of May, leaving promotion somewhat last minute, especially compared to the Euros. Furthermore, with three stadiums in Morocco being renovated for the men's tournament, three smaller grounds are now being used, affecting attendance numbers.
"We don't celebrate this team enough," Ellis said of her players ahead of their opening game. "That needs to change because many of them are not full-time professionals; that's what makes it the hardest part."
Beyond the recognition that many of these teams deserve and yet still remains elusive is the question of fair financial compensation. South Africa's tournament build-up has been hampered by financial issues, with reports that players were not training and sponsors hadn't been secured. An agreement with the players has since been reached, but the team's frustration is one that sadly many other nations competing this summer will likely be able to relate to.
"Women in sports, in general, are getting the leftovers," Ellis said.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
The prize money on offer is also a contentious issue.
On the face of it, the CAF announcement that the prize fund for this year's WAFCON had been increased by 45% was positive, with the winners now receiving €853,000 ($1 million). But that total is not only less than the winners of the other two women's competitions this summer – the Euros (€1.75 million) and Copa America Femenina (€1.3 million). It is worth noting that the Euros total prize money is up by 156% from the last edition. As is often the case for most women's tournaments, the pot is considerably smaller than the men's version. While €853,000 for this year's WAFCON winners is obviously a step in the right direction, it is still a long way off the €6 million Senegal's men got for winning the AFCON in 2023.
This pay gap marks a wider issue in the women's game, which many players at this year's WAFCON have to contend with. As FIFA's annual report on women's football in March this year revealed, sustainable income remains elusive for many in the professional game. In the report, FIFA highlighted that the global average annual salary for a woman playing professional football is €9,952 ($10,900). Players at teams given the Tier 1 designation were on an average salary of €20,492 but the average of those at Tier 2 and 3 clubs was €3,719 and €2,392 respectively. While many of the 288 players at this year's WAFCON play their club football in Europe, only a handful play at top outfits. For example, only 10 play in the NWSL (top women's league in the USA) or the WSL (top women's league in England) and most of the South Africa, Botswana and Tanzania squads play domestically.
Despite the smaller crowds, the lack of adequate promotion and unique struggles of each nation, this year's WAFCON already has the makings of being the best yet. But as women's football continues to grow in Africa, the hurdles in the way – both globally and nationally – still hold women in professional football back.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
DW
2 days ago
- DW
Mali basketball whistleblower still fighting for justice – DW – 07/23/2025
A young basketball player is continuing to fight for justice four years after first speaking out about the sexual abuse of minors in Mali's women's national program. It is no small matter that Djelika "Mami" Tounkara has lost her anonymity. "I am afraid," Tounkara told DW. "Before my name went public, I had already received death threats. Now, I will need more protection, but I have never had any. So, even though I am afraid, I want to talk, to express myself because I want to protect others." Her name became public in a decision published by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in June, but her fight for justice began in 2021 when she rejected and then reported the sexual advances of her former head coach at the Malian Basketball Federation (FMBB). The coach was later charged, arrested and jailed in July 2021 for pedophilia, attempted rape and molestation of other victims. Shortly afterwards, the talented then-teenager lost her place in the squad for the U18/U19 World Cup in Hungary in August 2021, which she and her lawyers claim was direct retaliation for reporting abuse. "The federation (FMBB) tried to shut me up when I spoke up at the time," the now 21-year-old Tounkara said. "Even just for that, I didn't receive any support from FIBA (basketball's world governing body)." Tounkara also said that the threats made her feel that she had to leave the country for her own safety. Tounkara's decision to speak to DW came after yet another setback in her quest for FIBA to acknowledge the harm she has been subjected to for becoming a whistleblower. In its decision published last month, the CAS ruled it did not have jurisdiction to hear an appeal by Tounkara. Tounkara had turned to the CAS after years of seeking justice within numerous FIBA legal mechanisms as she sought remedy for opportunities denied to her. In August 2021, she filed a case with the FIBA Ethics Panel, claiming the FMBB had unfairly dropped her from the national team. A ruling was delayed by the deaths of three of the five members on the panel, leaving Tounkara the choice of either the two remaining members delivering a ruling or waiting until at least mid-2023 when new panel members would be appointed. Not wanting to wait, Tounkara took the decision to FIBA's Appeals Panel. It was after this was rejected in 2024, that her lawyers turned to CAS. "I'm disappointed that the CAS only focused on the technical details," she said. "FIBA still do not speak about my safety and the safety of the other girls in our country who were abused at the time. CAS believed me, but again they have not done anything to help me at the end." William Bock III, who signed on as one of Tounkara's lawyers in 2022, sees the CAS' decision to accept FIBA's request to rule the court does not have jurisdiction as a significant blow. "It's the most disappointing result I've ever had as a lawyer because of the enormity of the wrongs that 'Mami' has already experienced," Bock told DW. "We've spent four years trying to undo some of the harm that FIBA did by failing her and we're caught in their maze of internal legal processes that we may never get out of." This is because when the CAS ruled that it didn't have jurisdiction, it referred the case back to FIBA's Ethics Panel. Bock and Tounkara's other lawyers have worked pro bono for years seeking to remedy the opportunities they believe she was denied by not being allowed to participate in the 2021 U18/U19 World Cup. Her career was put on hold for over two years as the death threats she received in Mali confined her to her house and resulted in a significant deterioration of her mental health. "Mami's a young woman, but every year that goes by, she loses more of the opportunities that were taken away from her by not being able to participate at a very important point in her career," Bock said. "Especially in a world event that would have allowed her to be seen by scouts from the United States and around the world. She might have had a chance to have a much better basketball opportunity if FIBA had quickly realized that she was the subject of retaliation." Ahmar Maiga, the founder and executive director of the non-profit organization Young Players Protection Association in Africa – Mali (YPPA-Mali), was the first to report the abuse and remains skeptical about FIBA's genuine desire to help Tounkara. "She (Tounkara) spoke up and because of the truth, she paid a lot for that," Maiga said. "In her career and in her personal life. FIBA has always preferred business to safety. It is all about business and politics, and not about the safety of players." With the case being back at the FIBA Ethics Panel, there is no indication of when a decision on the player's appeal could be issued. Responding to a query from DW, FIBA simply confirmed that the CAS had referred the case back to the Ethics Panel. Despite being exhausted by the fight and in constant fear for her life, Tounkara remains resolute in continuing along her current path, not for the betterment of her life but for young girls hoping to follow their own basketball dreams in Mali. "I always hope for justice," she said. "For me, that justice would be a change that protects the youth and our little sisters in the future."
Int'l Business Times
3 days ago
- Int'l Business Times
Kelly Hits Winner As Late Drama Takes England Into Women's Euro 2025 Final
Chloe Kelly scored a dramatic late winner in extra-time as reigning champions England came from behind to beat Italy 2-1 on Tuesday and reach the Women's Euro 2025 final. The Lionesses had been on the brink of elimination as they trailed to Barbara Bonansea's first-half strike for surprise semi-finalists Italy in Geneva. But after their remarkable comeback from two goals down to beat Sweden on penalties in last week's quarter-final, they pulled off more heroics here. Michelle Agyemang came off the bench and forced the extra period by equalising in the 96th minute, and fellow substitute Kelly completed the turnaround by following in to score the winner in the 119th minute after her penalty had been saved. Sarina Wiegman's team are through to their third consecutive major tournament final and the 2022 European champions head to Basel for Sunday's showpiece. That will be either a repeat of the 2023 Women's World Cup final, which they lost to Spain, or a repeat of the last Euro final, in which they defeated Germany at Wembley -- those sides meet in their semi on Wednesday. "Luckily I got there for the tap-in," Kelly told broadcaster ITV. "Three finals on the bounce and we want more. This team shows resilience but we fight back and hopefully we can make it easier for ourselves." It has been quite a ride for England, with this victory following their comeback against Sweden, while the nature of the defeat for Italy was cruel. Many of their players were in tears at full time, as the Azzurre -- who are ranked 13th in the world and were not expected to come this far -- fell short of reaching a first final since the 1997 Euros. "It hurts but we are very proud of all that we have done," said Italy coach Andrea Soncin. "We will need a few days to overcome this bitter moment but we will keep growing." Wiegman made one change from the quarter-final win against Sweden, as Esme Morgan came into the defence for Jess Carter. The latter had been the target of racial abuse which drew a backlash from Wiegman and England's players in the build-up to this game. England had the backing of the majority of the 26,539 crowd in Geneva and they had the momentum in the opening stages of the match. However, Italy looked fresher and they opened the scoring on 33 minutes as Sofia Cantore reached the right byline before delivering a cross which found Bonansea at the back post. The Juventus player controlled before lashing a shot into the roof of the net from close range. Alessia Russo and Lauren James came closest for England in the first half, but Italy held their lead into the break and Wiegman then sent on Beth Mead for the second half. Lauren Hemp headed onto the roof of the net and an Alex Greenwood long-ranger was punched away by goalkeeper Laura Giuliani, who was booked for timewasting with almost 20 minutes still to play. With the clock ticking down the England coach introduced Kelly followed by Agyemang, two players who had already made a big impact off the bench against Sweden. Agyemang, the teenage Arsenal forward, replaced captain and centre-back Leah Williamson in a clear sign of desperation in the Lionesses camp. Italy could have killed the game off but Hannah Hampton made a crucial double save to deny Michela Cambiaghi and Emma Severini at a corner in the 86th minute. That proved crucial, as England equalised in the sixth of seven allotted added minutes at the end of normal time. Giuliani failed to hold an awkward cross into the box from England's right and the ball came out to Agyemang who took a touch and blasted in. Once again England faced extra time. They had the momentum, and Giuliani did well to stop a Kelly corner going straight in with 108 minutes played. The remarkable Agyemang then saw a lobbed effort beat Giuliani but come back off the crossbar with four minutes of extra time remaining. Penalties loomed, but instead it would be just one spot-kick, awarded when Mead was pushed over right in front of the Croatian referee. Kelly's effort was saved by Giuliani, but she was on hand to convert the rebound and send England into another final. "We don't do things the easy way in this tournament but we find a way to win," defender Lucy Bronze said. Chloe Kelly got the late winner against Italy to send England into the Euro 2025 final AFP
DW
3 days ago
- DW
Why was Poland the only eastern European team at Euro 2025? – DW – 07/21/2025
Only one team from eastern Europe made it to Euro 2025, and only three have ever made it to any Euros. The story is different in men's football, so why has women's football in the region struggled to make a mark? "This is more than a tournament. It's a movement, and the response from across Europe and beyond proves that women's football is not only here to stay – it is setting the new standard." Those were the words of Nadine Kessler, a former Germany international who is now UEFA's women's football director during Euro 2025. Much of that appears undeniable: UEFA says they sold more tickets before the group stage even began than it had in the whole of Euro 2022. Social media engagements are up 55% since then and the prize pot has increased by 156% to €41 million ($47.5 million). But, although Poland made their Euros bow this year, the movement has not quite reached the rest of the east and parts of southern Europe. Despite winning their final group game against Denmark, Poland exited at the group stage, as have the only other sides ever to have qualified from eastern Europe (as defined by the United Nations) — Ukraine in 2009, and Russia five times between 1997 and their ban from international football in 2022. This stands in stark contrast to men's football, where 11 of the 24 teams at the last men's Euros, in Germany in 2024, were from the region, albeit without enormous success. Croatia (again, defined as eastern Europe by the UN) were one of those teams, and were losing finalists in the 2018 World Cup and semifinals in Qatar four years later. Their women, on the other hand, have not yet come close to qualifying for a World Cup or Euros. Goran Ljubojevic, the former coach and now sporting director of serial Croatian women's champions ZNK Osijek, told DW that the region was always playing catch-up, with clubs only starting to add women's programs in the 90s, and that investment in the women's game was scarce. But he also believes societal norms are holding the sport back. "The cultural problem in our countries is that people think girls should not play football, that mostly they should stay home and be housewives or something," he told DW. The European Union's Gender Equality index, published in 2024, bears this out to some degree, with no eastern countries above the EU average. "I don't know that it will ever happen that we will see a shift in the male brain in Croatia, and that this part of Europe will ever accept women's football on that level like they do in western Europe and or the USA." But Ljubojevic, who played for NK Osijek (ZNK Osiek is the women's section of the club) and Dinamo Zagreb, said seeing sold-out stadiums and widespread interest in tournaments like the Euros is having an impact in his homeland, and the east and south of the continent more broadly. "People saw the games in the European Championship, they saw the World Cup in Australia [and New Zealand in 2023], they saw full stadiums and were like 'wow, I really didn't know that many people watch women's football.' So, something shifts in their mind. But even with that, I think the infrastructure is still not good enough for women's football to rise up here.' Despite being the most successful side in the country, ZNK Osijek draw crowds of only about 300 for their home matches. As Ljubojevic sees it, the talent is there, it just requires investment in coaching, infrastructure and paying players enough for them to be full-time professionals. UEFA has put new schemes in to place in the region in recent years, and these are starting to have an impact, according to Professor Dariusz Wojtaszyn, from the University of Wroclaw in Poland. "There have been many positive developments in recent years. They are driven by initiatives of UEFA and local football associations, which, albeit slowly, are beginning to recognize the potential of women's football," the academic, who has written extensively on eastern European women's football, told DW. "Women's football budgets have increased significantly (usually more than 100%) in all CEE [Central and Eastern European] countries. That is why I view UEFA's initiatives very positively. They really do bring tangible results." To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video UEFA told DW in a written statement that the revamped competitions, including the Champions League and Europa League "have ensured that all competitions and all final tournaments remain open and accessible to clubs and teams from all associations. Over this period we've seen impressive performances from eastern European clubs at both club, national team and youth national team level and we will continue to work with the respective associations, as we do with all our member associations, with the goal of improving performance and the development of football on a pan-European level." But Wojtaszyn thinks that the politics of the region have been holding it back. Although the communist systems that governed many of these countries until the 1990s professed to be gender-equal, they actually produced a "paternalistic model of family and traditional social relations, which limited the possibilities for women's emancipation," according to Wojtaszyn. The fall of communism then entrenched issues still further. "The collapse of the state sponsorship system that had existed in previous decades caused significant economic problems for football clubs. Under such conditions, women's football, which was generating less interest, found it extremely difficult to compete for sponsors in the free market with its male competitors. Therefore, teams struggled financially, pitches were in very poor condition and female players played amateur sports," he said. More recently, he added, the rise of right-wing parties in countries like Romania, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary — and a resurgence of "traditional" values that came with that — have made professional football an unattractive proposition for many women. Although his players still need other jobs to make ends meet, Ljubojevic has great hope for the future, even if he feels significant investment and education is required. "We have a huge talent pool, the same as in men's football, but nobody has coached them properly," he said. "It will be much, much better in a few years. I will tell you that we have great talents, we have great players, and we [ZNK Osijek] are now really working at the highest level." Poland are expecting to see a surge in participation from their Euros campaign, with national team head coach Nina Patalon predicting growth from 30,000 to 300,000 female players in the country post-tournament. Ljubojevic thinks that Croatia, and perhaps other countries in the region, need something similar to kick-start their women's football scene. Although Poland lost out on hosting 2025, and no eastern European countries have bid for 2029, he would like to see Croatia become the first country in his region to host a tournament. "Yes, we can do it. But we have to take it seriously. The federation, the country and everything — they have to invest money and time. Women's football is the new wave and we have to ride that new wave. But we are still not doing it yet."
