The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced today that it has rescheduled the date for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which was scheduled to take place from March 17 to April 7 in Morocco.
CAF said the tournament will now take place from July 25 to August 16 to ensure the success of the tournament “in light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”
The governing body of African football said preparation for the continental tournament is still ongoing, stressing that all parties are confident that “it will be very successful” without providing further details.
Yet it did not clarify whether Morocco will still be the host of the tournament.
Many reports have expressed doubts about the fate of the competition, with speculations and claims.
In February, South Africa sparked debate across African sports circles when its country’s deputy minister of sport suggested Pretoria had seized the opportunity to host the tournament following speculation Morocco might withdraw.
However, South Africa’s Ministry of Sports issued an official statement, stressing that Morocco remains the official host of WAFCON and that no formal decision has been taken to relocate the competition.
The rumors and speculation came after the chaotic AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal on January 18, after the Teranga Lions created controversy for leaving the pitch for 15 minutes in the final after a penalty kick was awarded to the Atlas Lions.
The situation triggered tensions amid the final game, affecting the course of Morocco’s play and fans’ enthusiasm.
Senegalese fans also stormed the pitch, with some destroying the stadium facilities and using them as weapons against security guards.
The situation sparked uncertainty, especially after light sanctions were issued by CAF on Senegal despite its involvement in changing the course of the final game.