la CAF dévoile le nouveau trophée de la compétition
CAF Unveils New Trophy for Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
Introduction
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has introduced a new trophy for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place from July 5 to July 26, 2025. This new award symbolizes "the celebration of equality, unity, and excellence" in women’s football across the continent.
Design and Symbolism
The trophy’s design is a striking interpretation derived from the men’s AFCON trophy. It features a "blooming flower," with each petal representing a national team participating in the tournament. At the center, a golden sphere mimics the shape of a football, adorned with a radiant gold map of Africa, reflecting the continent’s ambition and pride in women’s football. Made from silver and matte gold, the trophy also includes an engraved gold ring showcasing the CAF logo. This intricate design signifies CAF’s unwavering commitment to promoting women’s football among its 54 member associations.
The base of the trophy is crafted from white marble with golden stripes, adding an element of elegance to the overall aesthetic.
Tournament Structure and Participation
The upcoming tournament will feature 12 countries divided into three groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals scheduled for July 18 and 19. Semi-finals will be contested on July 22, with the third-place match on July 25 and the grand finale on July 26.
The Algerian women’s national team is particularly noteworthy as they return to continental competition after missing the last two editions. They will compete in Group B alongside Nigeria, Botswana, and Tunisia. Algeria’s campaign will begin on July 6 against Botswana at 20:00 (Algeria time), followed by a match against Tunisia on July 10. The group stage will conclude with a clash against Nigeria on July 13.
Path to Qualification
Algeria secured its place in the final stage of the women’s AFCON in December 2023, emerging victorious against Burundi in a two-leg play-off, winning 5-1 and 1-0, with both matches taking place at the July 5 Stadium in Algiers.
Conclusion
The new trophy for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations embodies a significant advancement in the recognition of women’s football in Africa. With its unique design and the upcoming tournament structure, there is a strong emphasis on promoting equality, unity, and excellence in the sport. The involvement of the Algerian team, after their hiatus, adds anticipation to the competition, which is set to celebrate and elevate women’s football across the continent.
