Introduction

WAFCON 2024, held in Morocco from 5 to 26 July 2025, was much more than just a continental tournament. For French-speaking African countries, it represented a platform for expression, progress and empowerment for women through football. In a context where cultural and social barriers persist, football is becoming a vehicle for transformation.

Francophone Women’s Football on the Rise

Historically, Francophone countries such as Senegal, Mali, DR Congo, Algeria, Tunisia and, of course, Morocco have had a slow start in women’s football. But in recent years, public investment, school partnerships and national leagues have enabled a rise in popularity. Morocco, for example, has injected state funds to develop women’s clubs and train players from a young age.

WAFCON Group Participation

WAFCON 2024 saw the participation of 12 nations, including several French-speaking countries: Group A had Morocco, Senegal, DR Congo; Group B had Algeria, Tunisia; and Group C had Mali. These teams faced giants such as Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana, showing that French-speaking women’s football is no longer lagging behind.

Social Impact and Women’s Empowerment

Women’s football in French-speaking African countries plays a crucial role in women’s empowerment. It offers an alternative to restrictive social norms, particularly in Muslim-majority countries where women are sometimes limited in their participation in sports. Players such as Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco) and Nguenar Ndiaye (Senegal) have become role models, inspiring thousands of young girls to believe in their abilities. The tournament also highlighted the importance of training, media visibility and technology. French-speaking teams incorporated video analysts, physical trainers and female coaches, demonstrating increasing professionalisation.

Performances and Results

Host country Morocco shone by reaching the final after defeating Ghana on penalties. Senegal showed great resilience, while Mali surprised in the group stage. Algeria, unbeaten in the group stage, was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Ghana. These performances demonstrate a clear improvement in the level of play.

Conclusion

WAFCON 2024 was a celebration of African women’s football, but above all a demonstration of the potential of French-speaking countries. Thanks to proactive policies, emerging talent and growing passion, football is becoming a lever for equality and development. The ball is rolling, and with it the hopes of a generation of women ready to make history.