Africa will be looking to capitalize on the success of Wafcon in Morocco as it has raised the stakes for women’s football across the continent. South Africa won the title for the first time in its history with the tournament having a total of 12 teams. The prize money too was increased from the Confederation of African Football (Caf) and saw record attendances.
“This has been fantastic but there is always more that can be done,” South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis said hoping Africa can capitalize on the success of Wafcon. “The next step is to get structured leagues and professionalize the sport. If we want to compete with the rest of the world, that’s the way to go because there is enough talent in Africa to win a World Cup. It is fantastic to see the countries are all doing their bit for women’s football. You look at some of the countries that were not here, the likes of Equatorial Guinea, two-time champions, the likes of Mali, who were semi-finalists [in 2018], so it shows that the game is growing.”
“I think we have created role models. We have inspired generations of young footballers through this tournament,” Uganda international Jean Sseninde said. “Just seeing Morocco with what they have done and the investment they’ve made, I think women’s football and a lot of countries will learn from it. When I see those countries that are investing, if you give it four or five years, it is going to be amazing, I am so grateful that I am still alive to see what Caf is doing for women’s football.”
“We are no different from the men – we have natural talent,” Johansen said. “It also goes to prove that we weren’t wrong in believing that we should push for our space, to give these girls the platform to grow. I’m super proud to be part of this journey to grow the game on this continent.”
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