CAIRO (AP) — The women’s African Cup of Nations was moved to the summer on Thursday, less than two weeks after it was scheduled to begin in Morocco.
The tournament will run from July 25th to August. The African Football Confederation made the announcement on its website on the 16th. There was no mention of a change of venue or confirmation that Morocco would host the tournament again for a third consecutive time.
The 16th edition of the tournament was scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia from March 17th to April 3rd, but there have been reports that Morocco wants to withdraw from hosting the tournament. CAF made the announcement on Wednesday. This issue will become clear within the next few days.
South Africa had offered to participate as host country.
“Following consultation with CAF and its partners, FIFA and other stakeholders, and taking into account certain unforeseen circumstances, we have decided to change the dates to ensure the success of this important women’s competition,” CAF said in a statement on Thursday.
The nature of the situation was not disclosed, but The Associated Press has contacted the agency for further details.
CAF said preparations for the tournament “are underway and all involved are confident that it will be a great success.”
Last November, CAF made a sudden decision. Tournament expanded to 16 teamsCameroon, Ivory Coast, Mali and Egypt, who initially missed out on qualification, were given a reprieve.
In Rabat, Morocco, Algeria, Senegal and Kenya were to be drawn in Group A, while Group B, which included South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania, was also scheduled to be played.
Group C, which included defending champions Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt and Malawi, was held in Casablanca, while Group D, which included Ghana, Cameroon, Mali and Cape Verde, was held in Fes.
Date changed after CAF President Patrice Motsepe ruled it out The tournament will be held on February 13, as it also serves as a qualifying event for the 2027 Brazil Women’s World Cup. The four teams that made it to the semi-finals qualified directly, while the teams that lost in the quarter-finals got another chance through a playoff against other continental countries.
final version, Nigeria won They defeated Morocco 3-2 in the final, but due to scheduling issues this was also postponed to 2024, and was eventually held in 2025.
Morocco is also Co-host of the Men’s World Cup In 2030.
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