"For Cape Verde, the island archipelago with a population of just over half a million people, it's a double celebration after their men's team qualified for the World Cup for the first time. The women's team was only founded in 2018 and in seven years have enjoyed a rapid rise. As far as records show, no other team has progressed as quickly from formation to major tournament."
"They will play in a field that includes hosts Morocco, 10-time champions Nigeria, Kenya and Burkina Faso, who have both qualified for just the second time in their history, and six other teams who were involved at the 2024 edition: Zambia, Tanzania, Algeria, Senegal, Ghana and 2022 champions South Africa, who required a 91st-minute winner against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to confirm their spot."
"South Africa's qualification has been marred by uncertainty over the future of their long-serving coach, Desiree Ellis, who has been in charge since 2018. Ellis did not travel with the team to Kinshasa last week, where they drew 1-1 with DRC, was not at training for the return match and was seen sitting in the stands with South African Football Association officials for the second leg in Soweto."
Malawi and Cape Verde qualified for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations for the first time and will compete next March. Cape Verde, an island archipelago of just over half a million people, celebrated both men's World Cup qualification and the women's team reaching WAFCON after being founded in 2018. No other team appears to have advanced so quickly from formation to a major tournament. The tournament field includes hosts Morocco, ten-time champions Nigeria, Kenya, Burkina Faso, Zambia, Tanzania, Algeria, Senegal, Ghana and defending champions South Africa. South Africa secured qualification with a 91st-minute winner from Thembi Kgatlana. Coach Desiree Ellis has been out of contract since July 2024 and did not travel to Kinshasa; assistant Thinasonke Mbuli led the team and raised concerns about preparation.
#womens-africa-cup-of-nations #cape-verde-womens-team #malawi-national-team #south-africa-coaching-uncertainty
Read at www.theguardian.com
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