Mrirt — African Football Confederation (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe commended Morocco’s ongoing contribution to African football development.
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.
Women’s football reaches new heights
Motsepe commended the growing strength of women’s football across Africa, pointing to African women’s teams’ performances at the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand as proof that “women’s football on the continent has reached world-class 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.”
Read also: Motsepe: Morocco Leads African Football
Tournament schedule and groups
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.
