Should the NWSL hold an All-Star Game? Plus: Hope Solo auctions World Cup gear
Need to Know: Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is here
The next set of World Cup qualifying games is here, this time in Africa. After an abrupt postponement in March, two weeks before the original start date, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations started yesterday. A continental trophy, four automatic World Cup spots and two FIFA intercontinental playoff spots are all on the line.
Morocco, hosting for the third consecutive time, won their first match 4-0 over Kenya yesterday. Elsewhere, Nigeria is looking to extend their dominance with an unprecedented eleventh title.
For those who are more familiar with NWSL, 12 players from the league are competing for various nations, including the two-time MVP Chawinga and 2024 NWSL Championship MVP Barbra Banda. They will go head-to-head when Malawi takes on Zambia on Aug. 5. There are also six players signed with the Washington Spirit taking part in the competition, including new signing Mélissa Bethi, who scored for Algeria in a 2-0 win over Senegal yesterday.
Get caught up on the basics now, because this tournament, airing on beIN Sports, is must-see TV. In the meantime, we asked Tamerra Griffin for the exclusive newsletter lowdown:
Who is your team to beat?
💬 “Without having watched them play yet in this campaign, 10-time WAFCON champions and current title holders Nigeria remain an unstoppable force. But there is arguably no team in this tournament under more pressure than Morocco, who are on their third hosting gig and have twice reached the finals only to lose — to South Africa in 2022 and Nigeria last year.
Which team will surprise?
💬 “Algeria narrowly lost out in last year’s quarterfinals to Ghana and have returned to the continental tournament with even more panache. They displayed sharp organization in their 2-0 win over Senegal to open the tournament, and Spirit fans are surely buzzing over their latest signing in Béthi.”
Three players to look out for, and why?
💬 “Esther Okoronkwo, Nigeria: The AFC Toronto forward’s ice-veined penalty from last year’s WAFCON final is probably still burned in Morocco’s memory, and Okoronkwo is primed for a Golden Boot run with Nigeria this time around with her dynamic runs and slick finishing.
“Kautar Azraf, Morocco: The 18-year-old Barcelona midfielder started Morocco’s opening match against Kenya over veteran star Ghizlane Chebbak and provided an emphatic look at the hosts’ developmental pipeline with her performance.
“Rosemonde Kouassi, Ivory Coast: The Spirit forward has been massive for her NWSL club this season. Ivory Coast were one of the four teams to benefit from the Confederation of African Football’s decision to expand the tournament to 16 teams, but Kouassi is the kind of player to build around for a successful campaign. She assisted one of her team’s four goals in their opening win over Burkina Faso.”
Finally, give the anticipation for this tournament in your classic three words.
💬 “Motherland vibes unmatched.”