CAN Women’s Handball 2024: Angola retains its continental title

A 16th title for Angola

Angola has once again triumphed at the 2024 Women’s Handball Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), claiming its 16th continental title. After a total domination throughout the tournament, the Pérolas beat Senegal in the final in Kinshasa with a score of 27-18. With this victory, Angola continues to reign over women’s handball in Africa.

Relentless domination throughout the tournament

The Angolans started the tournament with an impressive run of five wins in the group stage, confirming their status as favourites. In the quarter-finals, they easily got the better of Algeria before securing another victory in the semi-final against Egypt. Although the Egyptians held on for a quarter of an hour, they eventually cracked under the relentless pressure of the Angolans.

Senegal faces a major obstacle

Senegal, after losing two previous finals, were hoping to finally win their first continental title. However, facing the best defense of the tournament, led by the unstoppable goalkeeper Marta Alberto, the Lionesses quickly saw Angola take off. Despite their determination, they were unable to resist the superiority of the Angolan team, which quickly widened the gap on the scoreboard. The Senegalese held firm for about ten minutes, but had to face the evidence in the face of the strength of the Pérolas.

An encouraging performance for Senegal

Despite the defeat, the Senegalese women’s performance should not be underestimated. After a fourth-place finish at home in the 2022 AFCON, the team led by Yacine Messaoudi has established itself as the second-best nation on the continent. This promising result could well herald future successes and pave the way for new title hopes for Senegalese women’s handball.

A look towards the World Cup

Angola, in addition to its continental title, also dominated the competition by being crowned best attack, best defense, best goalkeeper and best player of the 2024 AFCON. This triumph further strengthens its leading position in Africa. However, the real test looms with the Women’s Handball World Cup, since this AFCON also serves as a qualifier for the World Cup. Alongside Egypt, Tunisia and Senegal, Angola will represent Africa on the world stage in 2025, with the ambition of shining even more.

Results of the finals of the CAN Women’s Handball 2024

Final : Senegal 18-27 Angola

Small final : Tunisia 25-22 Egypt