2022 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nation hosts Morocco opened their account with a 1-0 win over debutants Burkina Faso.
The clash took place in the capital Rabat on Saturday (2 July).
The North Africans goal came just before the half hour from a free kick taken by the captain Ghizlane Chebbak – it was not a dangerous strike but the Burkinabe goalkeeper failed to deal with it, giving the home side their first win in the competition in 24 years.
Morocco next face Uganda while he two sides are in Group A alongside Uganda and Burkina Faso will be up against Senegal.
The WAFCON final will be played on July 23.
The tournament returned to action after a four-year absence due to the Covid 19 pandemic, which led to the 2020 edition to be cancelled.
The Women’s continent football showpiece now comes in an expanded form with 12 teams, compared to only eight four years ago in Ghana.
Nigeria, who were drawn in Group C with South Africa, Burundi and Botswana, are the defending champions after lifting the trophy nine times.
The only other teams to have won the tournament is Equatorial Guinea, on two occasions.
By Matlhomola Morake
