The four semi-finalists automatically earn a berth to the global showpiece event, with two more teams given a chance through the inter-continental playoffs.
It comes just a year after the last continental finals, which were also played in Morocco and won by Nigeria.
There will again be some incredible talent on display as we pick 10 players to watch.
Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria)
The Player of the Tournament in the previous edition, in a team full of stars, Ajibade stood out for her pace, skill on the ball and finishing ability. The 26-year-old only netted one goal as the Super Falcons claimed the title, but her all-round threat laid on plenty for others. She broke Banyana Banyana hearts with the opener as Nigeria beat South Africa 2–1 in the semi-finals. Ajibade plays for Paris Saint-Germain in France.
Ghana pipped South Africa to third place in the last edition, and central to their fine tournament was Asantewaa. She has spent much of her career in Spain but now plays for Mexican side Juárez. She is a defensive midfielder and crucial in shielding the back four, while also getting Ghana onto the front foot quickly when they turn over possession.
Arguably the most explosive and potent striker on the African continent, she is among the best in the world and was included last year in the FIFPRO Best Women’s XI, the first player from Africa to receive that honour. She has scored plenty of goals at World Cups and Olympic Games, and if Zambia are to go all the way in this edition, she will be central to that success.
Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco)
Chebbak was the top scorer in the last edition with five goals and might have taken the Player of the Tournament prize had Morocco not lost the final. Now 35, she is a veteran of the side but still highly influential and one of the best finishers on the African continent. She has played for Morocco for a remarkable 18 years and is the country’s most capped player. Her father, Larbi Chebbak, was an international for the Morocco men’s side.
Refiloe Jane (South Africa)
The South Africa captain brings balance to the side in midfield and, when she is on form, keeps the team ticking in possession. There are other more skilful players in the team, but Jane hardly ever loses the ball or wastes possession, and her leadership is also highly valued. She currently plays for TS Galaxy at home, but previously spent time in Australia and Italy.
Ibtissam Jraïdi (Morocco)
The Moroccan forward is a consummate goalscorer and a constant threat in the box, and given half a chance can punish opponents. The 33-year-old managed three goals in the last edition and will be aiming higher this time, with her side desperate to finally lift the trophy. She is not the most mobile, but is a clever player who can outthink defences.
Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa)
With the retirement of Jermaine Seoposenwe, even more weight will be on the shoulders of Kgatlana to find the back of the net for the side. She skipped the last edition for personal reasons, but with World Cup qualification on the line, she is back. She has pace and has improved her finishing no end in recent years, and could be a star of the tournament.
Nguenar Ndiaye (Senegal)
The Senegalese forward is quick and powerful and clearly has an eye for goal. She scored four goals in the last edition and is the lead forward for a Senegalese side that is packed with potential but has perhaps not yet delivered on it. The 31-year-old will want to make her mark again this time around and maybe put herself in contention for the Golden Boot.
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
Nnadozie is the best goalkeeper on the African continent without question, having been named CAF Goalkeeper of the Year for the past three seasons. She was instrumental in Nigeria lifting the trophy in the last edition. The 25-year-old plays for Brighton & Hove Albion in the Women’s Super League in England, having made her Nigeria debut in 2018. She is a world-class shot-stopper.
Racheal Kundananji (Zambia)
At one stage the most expensive women’s footballer in history when she joined Bay FC in the United States, the 26-year-old has also played in Kazakhstan and Spain, and has been a key part of the rise of Zambia in recent years. She is a potent forward who can play across the front line and has the experience of playing at two Olympic Games and the 2023 Women’s World Cup.