Post by Ibrahim noah (@ibradacabra)
WAFCON COUNTDOWN UPDATE:
DAYS TO GO: 1DAY
Who are the favourites?
Of the 16 nations taking part, only Nigeria and South Africa have previously lifted the Wafcon trophy.
Nigeria's Super Falcons return to North Africa as both holders and the continent's top-ranked side, with a rich pedigree under homegrown coach Justin Madugu.
Chiamaka Nnadozie has been named Africa's best goalkeeper for the past three years while captain Rasheedat Ajibade was named most valuable player at the finals last July.
Morocco has invested heavily in footballing infrastructure in recent years but its women's side are yet to emulate the success of the country's men in becoming the top team in Africa.
The Atlas Lionesses have been runners-up at the past two editions and have a Women's World Cup winner in the dugout in Jorge Vilda, who guided Spain to the title in 2023.
South Africa, ranked second on the continent, still have the experienced Desiree Ellis in the dugout while Ghana, under Kim Bjorkegren, return fresh from their third-placed finish last July.
Zambia round out the likely contenders, although the Copper Queens were demolished 5-0 by Nigeria in last year's quarter-finals. They will look to skipper Barbra Banda, the 2024 BBC Women's Footballer of the Year, for inspiration.
It will be a big ask for any of the other sides to mount a serious challenge.
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