What Is 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations

Overview

The 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) was the 14th edition of the tournament, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It marked a historic moment as Morocco hosted the event for the first time, showcasing the growth of women’s football across the continent.

This tournament doubled as the primary qualifier for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the top four teams earning automatic qualification. Matches were held in Rabat and Casablanca, drawing record attendance and regional interest in women’s sports.

• Twelve teams competed in the tournament, divided into four groups of three, making it one of the most competitive editions in AWCON history.
• July 2 to July 23, 2022 was the official duration of the tournament, with knockout stages beginning after the group phase.
• Morocco became the first North African country to host the AWCON, highlighting regional expansion of women’s football infrastructure.
• South Africa claimed their first title by defeating Senegal 1–0 in the final, with a goal by Thembi Kgatlana in the 88th minute.
• Nigeria, the defending champions, were eliminated in the semifinals but secured World Cup qualification by finishing in the top four.

How It Works

The tournament structure combined group stages with knockout rounds, ensuring competitive balance and progression opportunities for emerging teams. Each phase had implications for continental ranking and World Cup qualification.

• Group Stage: The twelve teams were split into four groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the quarterfinals based on points, goal difference, and head-to-head results.
• Knockout Format: From the quarterfinals onward, matches followed a single-elimination format, with extra time and penalties used to decide drawn games.
• World Cup Qualification: The top four teams earned automatic berths to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
• Host Nation Role: As hosts, Morocco automatically qualified and were seeded in Group A, playing all group matches in front of home crowds.
• Refereeing Standards: CAF deployed an all-female refereeing panel, including VAR technology for key decisions, marking a milestone in African women’s sports officiating.
• Player Eligibility: All participants had to be registered with their national football associations and meet CAF’s age and documentation requirements by June 1, 2022.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2022 AWCON compared to previous editions in key structural and competitive aspects:

The expansion to 12 teams in 2022 reflected CAF’s commitment to inclusivity and development. Unlike earlier editions with only eight teams, the new format allowed more nations like Uganda and Tanzania to participate and gain international experience.

Why It Matters

The 2022 AWCON had far-reaching implications beyond the pitch, influencing policy, visibility, and investment in women’s football across Africa. It demonstrated that women’s tournaments could draw crowds and media attention comparable to men’s events.

• Increased Visibility: Broadcast deals with regional networks brought live coverage to over 20 African countries, boosting fan engagement.
• Investment Incentive: Success in the tournament encouraged federations like Tanzania’s to increase funding for women’s national teams.
• Role Models: Players like Thembi Kgatlana became national icons, inspiring youth participation in football academies.
• Gender Equality: CAF’s equal prize money announcement for future tournaments followed advocacy sparked by the 2022 event.
• Sports Diplomacy: Morocco’s hosting improved its international sports reputation and strengthened regional cooperation.
• Youth Development: The exposure prompted seven countries to launch new grassroots programs for girls aged 12–18 by early 2023.

The 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations was more than a competition—it was a catalyst for systemic change in African football, setting a benchmark for future tournaments in terms of organization, inclusivity, and impact.