What Is 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations

Overview

The 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) was the 13th edition of the premier women's football tournament in Africa, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It marked the first time Ghana hosted the competition, with matches played in Accra and Cape Coast.

This edition was significant for its expanded format and growing international attention, serving as a qualifier for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. Six African teams earned spots in the World Cup based on their performance in this tournament.

• 12 teams participated, up from 8 in previous editions, reflecting CAF’s commitment to expanding women’s football across the continent.
• The tournament was held from November 17 to December 1, 2018, making it one of the longest-running AWCON events in history.
• Matches took place in two stadiums: the Accra Sports Stadium and the University of Education Stadium in Winneba.
• Nigeria claimed their 11th title, extending their record as the most successful nation in AWCON history.
• Asisat Oshoala won the Golden Boot with 7 goals, becoming the tournament’s top scorer for the second consecutive time.

How It Works

The 2018 AWCON followed a structured format from group stages to knockout rounds, determining continental supremacy and World Cup qualification. The competition balanced sporting excellence with developmental goals for women’s football in Africa.

• Group Stage: The 12 teams were divided into three groups of four. The top two from each group and the two best third-placed teams advanced to the quarterfinals.
• Knockout Format: The quarterfinals, semifinals, and final were all single-elimination matches, with extra time and penalties used if necessary.
• Refereeing Standards: CAF appointed 12 female referees and 12 assistant referees from across Africa, emphasizing gender equity in officiating roles.
• World Cup Qualification: The top six teams qualified for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France, a record number of African teams at the time.
• Player Eligibility: All players had to be registered with their national associations and meet CAF’s age and nationality requirements by October 1, 2018.
• Tournament Sponsorship: The event was sponsored by Orange, a telecommunications company, which provided funding and promotional support across West Africa.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 2018 AWCON with prior editions highlights growth in participation, viewership, and competitive balance.

The expansion from 8 to 12 teams in 2018 allowed more nations like Uganda and Tanzania to compete, increasing regional representation. This growth mirrored global trends in women’s sports, with higher investment and media coverage. The increased number of World Cup slots also raised the stakes and competitive intensity across all matches.

Why It Matters

The 2018 AWCON was a milestone for women’s football in Africa, combining athletic achievement with broader social impact. It helped elevate the visibility of female athletes and inspired youth participation across the continent.

• Nigeria’s victory reinforced their dominance, with 11 titles in 13 editions, showcasing sustained excellence in African women’s football.
• The tournament provided global exposure for players like Oshoala, who later signed with top European clubs.
• CAF’s decision to expand the tournament signaled a long-term commitment to gender equity in African football governance.
• Host nation Ghana invested in stadium upgrades and youth clinics, leaving a lasting sports infrastructure legacy.
• Television broadcasts across Africa and online platforms reached an estimated 15 million viewers, boosting fan engagement.
• The success of the 2018 event influenced CAF to plan future expansions, including a proposed 16-team format by 2022.

Overall, the 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations was more than a sporting event—it was a catalyst for change, promoting inclusion, development, and excellence in women’s football across Africa.