The depth of talent, record viewership and fair refereeing made it a tournament that proves African football is starting to thrive.
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Nigeria leads in the rankings of the four African teams. Two others are making debut World Cup appearances and there’s a storm cloud over South Africa.
There was a significant shift towards African football as a business rather than football as development.
The Wafcon final on Saturday is proof of the development of the women’s game on the continent - and of mining star players abroad.
Twelve teams remain after the qualifying rounds of the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations - with Nigeria no longer automatic favourites as the competition diversifies.
Because of the growing fame of African football stars, the tournament is now watched in more than 160 countries worldwide.
The most successful women’s team in Africa, the Super Falcons emerged from a long history of protest – and continue to demand equality.
Will an African nation ever win the Football World Cup? Key moments in past tournaments offer hope – and a warning that the continent needs to invest in the game.
