CAF hails Morocco stars Ghizlane Chebake and Fatima Tagnaout ahead of WAFCON 2026

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has celebrated the outstanding performances of Moroccan stars Ghizlane Chebake and Fatima Tagnaout after highlighting the standout statistics from the last three editions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

In a statistical review published on its official platforms, CAF reflected on the 2018, 2022 and 2024 tournaments, showcasing the remarkable growth of women’s football across the continent while praising the contributions of Morocco’s leading players.

The governing body noted that the Atlas Lionesses have become one of Africa’s strongest women’s teams in recent years, with Chebake and Tagnaout playing pivotal roles in the country’s rise on the continental stage.

Looking back at the 2024 edition, which was won by Nigeria, CAF revealed that the tournament featured 26 matches and produced 66 goals, averaging 2.54 goals per game. The Super Falcons finished as the tournament’s highest-scoring side with 14 goals on their way to lifting the continental title.

Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebake emerged as the tournament’s leading scorer after netting five goals in six appearances, underlining her reputation as one of Africa’s most clinical forwards. Nigeria’s Esther Okoronkwo finished as the competition’s top assist provider with six assists.

CAF also revisited the 2022 edition, where South Africa claimed their maiden WAFCON title after an impressive campaign.

That tournament saw 28 matches played, producing 63 goals at an average of 2.25 per game. South Africa and Nigeria shared the honour of having the tournament’s most prolific attack after both teams scored 10 goals.

Chebake once again featured prominently, sharing the Golden Boot with Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade and South Africa’s Hilda Magaia after each player scored three goals.

Another Moroccan standout, Fatima Tagnaout, finished the tournament as the leading assist provider with three assists, highlighting her creativity and importance in the Atlas Lionesses’ attacking play.

CAF’s review also looked back at the 2018 edition, which remains the highest-scoring tournament among the three most recent editions.

The competition, won by Nigeria, produced 51 goals in just 16 matches, averaging an impressive 3.19 goals per game. South Africa boasted the strongest attack with 11 goals, while Banyana Banyana forward Thembi Kgatlana claimed the Golden Boot after scoring five goals.

According to CAF, the statistics from the last three tournaments reflect the remarkable progress of women’s football across Africa, with increased competitiveness, improved attacking quality and the emergence of new stars capable of competing at the highest level.

The governing body’s recognition of Chebake and Tagnaout also highlights Morocco’s growing influence in women’s football ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which the North African nation will host from July 25 to August 16.

The Atlas Lionesses will head into the tournament carrying the hopes of the home fans as they seek to