A Story Written by Hope and Led by Belonging.. African Women Welcome the Championship with a Special Feeling

Feelings begin to take shape before the whistle blows to start the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Sunday. Before the stadiums fill with voices and colors, anticipation seeps into the streets, appears in glances, and is heard in daily conversations, as the intensity of the feeling for the tournament rises. Women experience this pre-tournament phase with a special feeling—they wait, dream, and imagine the stands shaking with chants. They carry the passion for football as a legacy and pass on its value. After years of absence from the scene, they have now become visible, present, and active participants in creating the atmosphere of this major continental event.

Women from various African countries, despite their different paths, unite around one language—the language of the heart. Through their voices, the story of the Africa Cup of Nations is told before it begins: a story written by hope, fueled by enthusiasm, and led by belonging. Some feelings quietly manifest in this anticipation that unites an entire continent, yet remain sincere and deep. On this occasion, the Confederation of African Football published statements from female fans about the upcoming African tournament.

Moroccan Sarah (32), a literature director, says: "Football for me is a story we live together, and even before the Africa Cup of Nations starts, I feel a special energy. The chants, the colors, the waiting are all part of the feeling. As a woman, I feel personally connected to this tournament in all its details." Her compatriot Mariam (28), a researcher in languages and educational sciences, adds: "Waiting sometimes turns into a shared language and a collective dialogue that transcends borders. As the Africa Cup of Nations approaches, we feel that something big is about to begin. Languages mix, conversations start before the matches, and being a fan means sharing this collective enthusiasm with people you've never met before."

Passion drives some women to travel and return to their roots, eager to be present from the very first moments. French Sarah (33), a communications officer, says: "I left Paris to experience the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco from the start. Even before the matches, the feelings are strong. Being here reconnects me with my roots and gives me an increasing sense of African pride."

Anticipation also appears in other parts of the continent in everyday life details, in the streets, and in the simplest conversations. Ivorian fan Aisha says: "In Côte d'Ivoire, talk about the Africa Cup of Nations is everywhere. Knowing the tournament will start gives me chills. Being among fans from all over Africa is a great pride. Sometimes the passion passes from generation to generation, as it is a story told before its chapters are written."

Egyptian Hoda says: "I came from Egypt with my children to experience the waiting for the Africa Cup of Nations together. Explaining the meaning of this tournament to them and watching their enthusiasm grow day by day is a very moving feeling. For me, love for football begins before the starting whistle, and hearts beat today even though the matches haven't started yet."