President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr. Patrice Motsepe, has lauded Morocco’s unwavering commitment to the development of football on the continent, particularly women’s football.
As the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which runs from July 5-26 in Morocco, is kicking off tonight, Motsepe touched down in Rabat-Sale airport this morning to attend the tournament’s opening match.
Upon arrival, the CAP chief thanked King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan government, and the Moroccan people for their hospitality.
“It feels very special to be home again,” Motsepe said, proudly noting that “Morocco and the Moroccan people hold a special place in my heart and in the hearts of all 54 CAF member associations.”
The CAF president expressed excitement about the tournament’s opening, which features Morocco facing Zambia in what he expects will be a thrilling match.
He praised the rapid progress of women’s football across Africa, citing the impressive performance of African teams at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand as evidence that the continent is reaching global standards.
“Football brings people together regardless of their race, ethnicity, language, or religion,” he noted, expressing appreciation to “Morocco as a land that unites Africans.”
The Atlas Lionesses will kick off the tournament against Zambia today at 9 p.m. at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium. Morocco will then face the Democratic Republic of Congo on July 9 at 8 p.m., followed by their final group match against Senegal on July 12 at 8 p.m.
Group B includes Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana, while Group C features South Africa, Ghana, Mali, and Tanzania.
The tournament features the continent’s best women’s football talent and demonstrates Africa’s growing influence in the global women’s game.
