The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, AKA WAFCON, was first contested in 1991. However, at that time, it wasn’t held every two years. It wasn’t until 1998 that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) changed the format.
History of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, often abbreviated as WAFCON, is the premier women’s football tournament on the African continent. Since its launch in 1998, this competition has offered a consistent platform for top female footballers in Africa to showcase their abilities and national pride.
WAFCON Winners List by Year
1998 – Nigeria (Host: Nigeria) The inaugural edition took place in Nigeria. The host team defeated Ghana in the final with a 2–0 scoreline. DR Congo secured third place after a dramatic 3–3 draw with Cameroon that went to penalties. They emerged victorious 3–1 in the shootout.
2000 – South Africa (Host: South Africa) In the 2000 edition held in South Africa, Nigeria once again claimed the trophy. They were leading 2–0 against South Africa when the match was abandoned. Ghana claimed third place with a commanding 6–3 win over Zimbabwe.
2002 – Nigeria (Host: Nigeria) Nigeria continued their dominance at home by beating Ghana 2–0 in the final. Cameroon sealed third place with a decisive 3–0 victory against South Africa.
2004 – South Africa (Host: South Africa) In 2004, Nigeria crushed Cameroon 5–0 in the final to lift the title. The third-place match between Ghana and Ethiopia ended in a goalless draw after extra time. Ghana edged Ethiopia 6–5 on penalties.
2006 – Nigeria (Host: Nigeria) Once again, Nigeria triumphed at home, narrowly beating Ghana 1–0 in the final. South Africa claimed third after a 2–2 draw against Cameroon, followed by a 5–4 win on penalties.
2008 – Equatorial Guinea (Host: Equatorial Guinea) The 2008 edition broke Nigeria’s winning streak. Hosts Equatorial Guinea took the crown after a 2–1 win over South Africa. Nigeria finished third by beating Cameroon in a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw.
2010 – South Africa (Host: South Africa) Nigeria returned to the top, defeating Equatorial Guinea 4–2 in the final. South Africa claimed third place with a 2–0 win over Cameroon.
2012 – Equatorial Guinea (Host: Equatorial Guinea) The home team once again came out on top in 2012. Equatorial Guinea dominated South Africa 4–0 in the final. Cameroon narrowly beat Nigeria 1–0 to take third.
2014 – Namibia (Host: Namibia) In 2014, Nigeria defeated Cameroon 2–0 to regain the title. Ivory Coast took third with a slim 1–0 victory over South Africa.
2016 – Cameroon (Host: Cameroon) A closely fought final saw Nigeria beat hosts Cameroon 1–0. Ghana overcame South Africa with a 1–0 win in the third-place game.
2018 – Ghana (Host: Ghana) The 2018 tournament saw a goalless final between Nigeria and South Africa. Nigeria won 4–3 on penalties. Cameroon beat Mali 4–2 to take third.
2020 – Cancelled The 2020 edition was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its broader impact across Africa.
2022 – Morocco (Host: Morocco) South Africa clinched their first-ever title in 2022 by defeating Morocco 2–1 in the final. Zambia claimed third place with a 1–0 win over Nigeria.
2024 and 2026 – Morocco (Host: Morocco) Morocco is set to host the next two editions. The 2024 edition will see Morocco face Nigeria in the final, while Ghana and South Africa will battle for third place. Details for 2026 remain to be confirmed.
African Female Nations Cup Winners Performance by Nation
- Nigeria stands out with nine titles (1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018), one third-place finish (2008), and two fourth-place finishes (2012, 2022), bringing their total top-four finishes to 12.
- Equatorial Guinea has two titles (2008, 2012), one runner-up (2010), and three top-four finishes.
- South Africa has claimed one title (2022), finished as runner-up four times (2000, 2008, 2012, 2018), third twice (2006, 2010), and fourth on three occasions (2002, 2014, 2016), totaling ten top-four appearances.
- Cameroon has finished second three times (2004, 2014, 2016), third on three occasions (2002, 2012, 2018), and fourth four times (1998, 2006, 2008, 2010), also totaling ten top-four appearances.
- Ghana has reached the final three times (1998, 2002, 2006) but never won, and secured third place three times (2000, 2004, 2016), giving them six top-four finishes.
- Morocco, DR Congo, Ivory Coast, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and Mali have each reached the top four once.
Article updated 1 week ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
