What Is 2019 WAFU Cup of Nations

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 WAFU Cup of Nations was a regional football tournament held in Senegal from September 28 to October 12, 2019, featuring 12 West African nations. Senegal won the tournament by defeating Ghana 5–4 in a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw in the final.

Key Facts

The 2019 WAFU Cup of Nations took place from September 28 to October 12, 2019.
It was hosted in Senegal, with matches played in Dakar and M'Bour.
Twelve national teams from West Africa participated in the tournament.
Senegal won the championship by beating Ghana 5–4 on penalties after a 1–1 draw.
The tournament served as preparation for the 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Overview

The 2019 WAFU Cup of Nations was a regional football competition organized by the West African Football Union (WAFU) to promote competitive football among member nations. Held in Senegal from September 28 to October 12, 2019, the tournament featured 12 national teams and served as a preparatory event ahead of larger continental competitions.

Designed to strengthen regional football ties, the event was structured with group stages followed by knockout rounds. The competition also provided teams with valuable experience ahead of the 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which restricted participation to locally based players.

Host country: Senegal hosted the tournament across two cities—Dakar and M'Bour—with matches played at Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor and Stade de Mbour.
Participating teams: A total of 12 nations competed, including Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, divided into four groups of three.
Final result: Senegal claimed the title by defeating Ghana 5–4 in penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time during the final on October 12, 2019.
Tournament format: The competition used a group stage followed by semi-finals and a final, with only the top team from each group advancing.
Significance: The 2019 edition was one of the most organized WAFU tournaments, enhancing visibility for West African football on the continental stage.

How It Works

The WAFU Cup of Nations operates as a biennial or irregular regional championship for West African national teams, often featuring squads composed of domestic league players. The 2019 format emphasized compact scheduling and competitive balance.

Group Stage: The 12 teams were split into four groups of three, with only group winners advancing to the semi-finals, increasing the stakes of each match.
Knockout Rounds: The four group winners advanced to the semi-finals, with winners progressing to the final held on October 12, 2019, in Dakar.
Player Eligibility: Unlike the Africa Cup of Nations, the WAFU Cup emphasized locally based players, aligning with CHAN qualification rules for home-based squads.
Scoring System: Teams earned three points for a win, one for a draw, and zero for a loss, with goal difference used as the primary tiebreaker in group standings.
Refereeing Standards: CAF-certified referees from WAFU member nations officiated matches, ensuring compliance with continental football regulations.
Tournament Management: WAFU, in partnership with the Senegalese Football Federation, coordinated logistics, security, and broadcasting for the event.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key aspects of the 2019 WAFU Cup with other regional and continental tournaments:

Tournament	Region	Frequency	Teams	Host (2019)
WAFU Cup of Nations	West Africa	Irregular	12	Senegal
AFCON	Entire Africa	Biennial	24	N/A (2019: Egypt)
CHAN	Entire Africa	Biennial	16	Cameroon (2020)
WAFU Zone A Tournament	West Africa (Zone A)	Irregular	8	Senegal
CECAFA Cup	East Africa	Annual	10	Uganda

The 2019 WAFU Cup stood out due to its focus on home-based players and its role as a qualifier for CHAN. While smaller in scale than AFCON, it provided crucial development opportunities for regional talent.

Why It Matters

The 2019 WAFU Cup of Nations had lasting implications for West African football, both competitively and institutionally. It highlighted the potential of domestic leagues and offered a platform for emerging talent.

Player Development: The tournament gave home-based players rare international exposure, helping them gain recognition for national team selection.
Regional Unity: By bringing together 12 nations, the event strengthened football diplomacy and cooperation across West Africa.
Preparation for CHAN: Several teams used the competition as direct preparation for the 2020 African Nations Championship, which also restricted squads to local leagues.
Infrastructure Boost: Hosting the event improved stadium readiness and operational capacity in Senegalese cities like M'Bour.
Media Exposure: The tournament received regional broadcast coverage, increasing visibility for WAFU and its member associations.
Legacy: Senegal’s victory bolstered national pride and demonstrated the country’s growing role in regional football administration.

The 2019 WAFU Cup of Nations proved to be more than just a regional contest—it was a strategic step toward elevating West African football on the continental stage.