Morocco insists on readiness to host delayed Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
Morocco remains fully prepared to host the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations despite the Confederation of African Football’s unexplained decision to delay the tournament until July.
The continental showpiece was originally scheduled to commence on 17 March but will now take place between 25 July and 16 August.
Ryad Mezzour, the Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade, insists the North African nation is not responsible for the sudden postponement.
“What I know is Morocco is always ready to host any competition, any time, and we will be very proud and very happy to host it, be it this month or within three months,” Mezzour told BBC Sport Africa.
Mezzour’s resolute stance contradicts growing speculation regarding the host country’s logistical capabilities.
Calendar clashes and continental controversy
The kingdom has established itself as the primary hub for African football, securing the rights to a third consecutive Wafcon alongside numerous other regional tournaments.
However, hosting arrangements came under intense scrutiny following a highly controversial men’s continental tournament final in Rabat.
Senegal briefly abandoned the pitch in protest over refereeing decisions before the West Africans eventually secured a dramatic extra-time victory against the Moroccan hosts.
That result was sensationally overturned by an independent appeal board last week following an official complaint from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
Unanswered questions and alternative hosts
The Confederation of African Football has maintained a veil of secrecy over the delayed start, officially citing only unforeseen circumstances involving global partners.
A heavily congested domestic and international football calendar is also believed to have influenced the revised summer schedule.
The ongoing uncertainty previously forced South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie to address suggestions that his country was preparing to step in as emergency hosts.
“South Africa has expressed its willingness to support,” McKenzie stated.
That brief clarification has added further intrigue to the ongoing logistical drama surrounding Africa’s premier women’s competition.
