With the new trophy, the Women's Africa Cup of Nations enters a new era
A golden glow illuminated Casablanca on July 2, 2025. In the elegant setting of Hotel Casablanca, CAF unveiled the new TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy. In front of the cameras and bright lights to the applause of legends of African Women's Football including Amanda Dlamini, Ajara Njoya and Lamia Boumehdi, an entire continent witnessed the birth of a new icon. A testament to the ambitions, struggles and rise of the women's game that now refuses to be marginalized.
A visual shock, a collective thrill
Inside the room, ear-to-ear smiles and a loud respectful silence swept across with a feeling anew. It was a powerful moment. An unforgettable experience. And the word on everyone's lips was - emotion. For it was not just a trophy that was presented, but the reflection of a struggle. That of football that has long had to justify itself, convince, and exist despite everything. That of the women who laced up their boots when no one believed in them. This Wednesday, they were celebrated. Amanda Dlamini, former captain of the Banyana Banyana, now a TV consultant, did not hide her enthusiasm: "When I started, we played to exist. Today, young people play to win. This trophy is the symbol of this transition. The dream continues, but it is now within reach."
A dream with golden contours, proud lines and African roots. A trophy designed to last, to inspire, to become a desire. A desire to brandish it, to include it in their legacy, to offer it to their nations.
Present and radiant, Cameroonian striker Ajara Njoya did not mince her words. "It is an evolution. The vision CAF is bringing to us today is excellent for Women's Football. It opens a lot. I remember when I started out; there was a lot of resistance around me. Today, parents are pushing their daughters to play football."
Attitudes are changing. The trophy, in its symbolism, embodies this change. It is both recognition of pioneers and a call to newcomers. Those who dream, with the ball at their feet, of trophies and flags raised.
A trophy designed to last
The deliberately modern design combines simplicity and power. It reveals a desire to break new ground without going away from heritage. The curves recall momentum - a collective movement. The gold touch evokes excellence. The whole concept exudes an almost regal solemnity, as if Africa is finally saying to its queens: "You deserve your rightful place."
Lamia Boumehdi, coach of TP Mazembe and the first African coach to win the CAF Women's Champions League, also welcomed the evolution. "This trophy is not just a cup. It is a symbol. A recognition." It is also a burden, a responsibility. We shall have to rise to the occasion."
TotalEnergies: A partner that believes in the female spirit
Abdesslam Rhnimi, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Morocco, made no secret of his pride: "This trophy is also the result of a lasting commitment. At TotalEnergies, we believe in the transformative power of Women's Football. We want to support this momentum, in Morocco and throughout Africa." This partnership is part of a long-term investment approach. It goes beyond the visibility of a logo. It is about building, with CAF, a competition worthy of African ambitions. To make it a continental showcase, a platform for both sporting and social expression.