Morocco vs Zambia conflict kicks off WAFCON – SABC Information

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament starts in Morocco, later on Saturday evening when the host nation takes on Zambia in the opening match at the newly built Olympic Stadium in Rabat.

Defending champions, Banyana Banyana have settled in at their base camp in Oujda, where they will play their group matches.

The 24-year-old, Noxolo Cesane, who was part of the national team when they won their maiden continental title at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations says they just have to focus on themselves.

CAF increases Prize Money of TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024, Winner by 100% and Total Prize Money by 45%

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Only one day left for Women’s African Champions, Banyana Banyana to attempt to win the new WAFCON trophy — unveiled on Wednesday in Rabat.

The African Champions join the host country, Morocco and 10 other nations in the tournament set to be played at six venues across five cities.

South Africa will take on Ghana, Tanzania and Mali in Group C — starting with Ghana, who are still waiting for their first title, on Monday.

It’s been three years after Banyana won the title and Cesane, who was part of the winning team in 2022 says they need to remain focus.

“We are more focused on what we need to be doing on the day when the Ghana game comes, and we are really working on that. We are focused on ourselves and not stressed about other teams, and we just need to make sure that we do what we train.”

Cesane, also emphasised that they have to work hard and not rely on the performance of the previous tournament.

“Every day, every month and every season teams change, and it is going to be hard, but we have to fix ourselves instead of looking at other teams, and we have to work hard to achieve what we want. So far, we are doing well, we have frustrations here and there, like mistakes on the field and we have to fix those – it’s difficult but we are working hard.”

The hosts will take on Zambia this evening at 10pm while the most successful team of this tournament with nine titles, Nigeria will play against Tunisia on Sunday at 6pm.