The echoes of the inaugural CAF Women’s Futsal Africa Cup of Nations, held in Rabat, Morocco, still reverberate across the continent. The tournament, culminating on April 30, 2025, was more than just a championship; it was a launchpad, propelling Morocco and Tanzania onto the world stage as they gear up for the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup. The air crackled with excitement as these nations showcased not only their athletic prowess but also the burgeoning potential of women’s futsal in Africa, according to CAF officials who see this success as a springboard for future development.

For years, women’s sports in Africa have faced hurdles, often struggling for recognition and investment. Yet, in the vibrant arenas of Rabat, a new narrative unfolded. The Africa Cup of Nations provided a platform for athletes to shine, for national teams to rise, and for fans to witness the transformative power of sport. This blog post explores the remarkable journeys of Morocco and Tanzania, two nations whose dedication and skill have earned them a place among the world’s elite in women’s futsal.

Morocco entered the tournament as a favorite, and they did not disappoint. The Atlas Lionesses navigated the group stage with confidence, securing decisive victories against Namibia and Cameroon. Their journey was marked by strategic gameplay and standout performances from key players, ultimately leading them to a thrilling final against Tanzania.

The path to the final was paved with impressive victories. In the group stage, Morocco showcased their attacking prowess with an 8-1 win against Namibia and a 7-1 triumph over Cameroon, demonstrating their ambition to win the women’s futsal title. These results set the tone for their campaign, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with.

Doha El Madani, with five goals to her name, proved to be a pivotal force in Morocco’s attack. Her ability to find the back of the net consistently throughout the tournament made her a constant threat to opposing defenses. Another key player was Meryem Hajri, whose transition from football to women’s futsal added a unique dimension to the team. Hajri’s experience on the larger pitch translated seamlessly to the futsal court, providing her team with both skill and tactical awareness.

“The triumphant Moroccan side was bolstered by the contribution of former footballer Doha El Madani…”

Tanzania’s journey to the World Cup is a story of resilience and determination. As the first nation from the CECAFA region to establish a women’s futsal team, Tanzania faced the challenge of building a competitive squad from the ground up. Despite these obstacles, they exceeded all expectations, showcasing the untapped potential of Tanzanian athletes. Their performance at the Africa Cup of Nations has not only secured them a place in the World Cup but has also inspired a new generation of women’s futsal players in the region.

Their semi-final match against Cameroon was a defining moment, where they secured a stunning 5-2 victory. This win not only propelled them into the final but also marked a historical milestone for Tanzanian sports. The players celebrated with jubilation, knowing that they had achieved something truly special for their nation.

“We didn’t know what to expect,” Zubeda Mgunda, the Tanzania head coach, admitted afterwards. “Some of our players had never played futsal before January. But they believed in each other, and now they’ve made history.”

The Africa Cup of Nations also recognized individual achievements and sportsmanship. Jasmine Demraoui of Morocco was awarded Best Player for her outstanding contributions to her team’s success. Doha El Madani continued her stellar performance by clinching the Top Scorer title. Nassra Abbas of Tanzania was named Best Goalkeeper, reflecting her crucial role in her team’s journey. Namibia received the Fair Play Award, showcasing that success is not only about winning but also about upholding the values of sportsmanship.

The success of the CAF Women’s Futsal Africa Cup of Nations underscores the vast potential for further development of women’s futsal and women’s sports overall. National teams have been built from the ground up, attracting investment and increasing exposure. This progress reflects a growing recognition of the importance of gender equality in sports and a commitment to providing opportunities for female athletes to excel. Now, the spotlight turns to the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup, where Morocco and Tanzania will represent Africa on the global stage.

“This was long overdue,” Meskerem Tadesse, CAF’s Women’s Football Director, remarked after the event. “We saw talent, we saw passion, and we saw possibility. Now it’s our responsibility to build structures that can sustain and elevate this game.”

As Morocco and Tanzania prepare to compete against the world’s best, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of a continent. Their participation will showcase the progress and potential of African women’s futsal on a global scale, inspiring future generations of athletes. The responsibility now falls on CAF to build sustainable structures to continue elevating the game across the continent, ensuring that the momentum generated by the Africa Cup of Nations is not lost.

The CAF Women’s Futsal Africa Cup of Nations has set the stage for an exciting future for women’s futsal. With Morocco and Tanzania heading to the World Cup, the continent’s talent and passion are ready to shine. This tournament has proven to be more than just a competition; it’s a catalyst for growth and investment in women’s sports across Africa, paving the way for future success and inspiring countless athletes. Keep an eye on these teams as they represent Africa on the world stage and continue to push the boundaries of women’s futsal.