Excitement Builds as Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Starts
Just a week after the conclusion of the Men's World Cup, the next major international tournament is set to unfold. The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 kicks off in Morocco this Sunday, marking the 14th edition of this prestigious African championship. For the first time, the tournament will feature 16 nations, bringing an impressive total of 34 matches to be played in the vibrant cities of Rabat and Casablanca through to the final on August 16.
Initially scheduled to take place from March 17 to April 3, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) postponed the tournament by twelve days due to unspecified "unforeseen circumstances." Moreover, the city of Fès has been removed as a host venue, consolidating all matches to the two selected cities of Rabat and Casablanca.
The expansion from 12 to 16 teams was confirmed only after the qualification process was completed. Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Egypt rounded out the participant list as the four highest-ranked teams in the FIFA standings that were eliminated in the final qualifying round. In a remarkable development, Cape Verde and Malawi are set to make their debut in a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
As the host nation, Morocco finds itself in Group A alongside Algeria, Senegal, and Kenya. Group B consists of South Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania. Defending champions Nigeria will face Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi in Group C, while Group D features Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, and Cape Verde. The two top teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, heightening the stakes and excitement of the tournament.
The tournament will officially open at 6 PM local time on Sunday with a match between Algeria and Senegal, followed three hours later by Morocco taking on Kenya in their first game. Notable fixtures during the group stage include the anticipated clash between Nigeria and Zambia on August 1, and the encounter between Ghana and Cameroon the following day.
Nigeria Leads the Pack as Favorites
Nigeria enters the tournament as a heavy favorite once again. The Super Falcons have clinched victory in 10 of the previous 13 editions and staged a remarkable comeback in the final of the last WAFCON, overturning a 0-2 deficit against Morocco to win 3-2. Some of their standout players include captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala.
Morocco, having reached the finals in the last two tournaments, is eager to seize the title on home soil. Led by captain Ghizlane Chebbak, who is also the top scorer from the previous two tournaments, the Atlas Lionesses will aim to capitalize on their home advantage. Other strong contenders include South Africa, the 2022 African champions, as well as Zambia’s dynamic duo Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, and last year's bronze medalists, Ghana.
Adding to the intrigue is debutant Malawi, whose captain Tabitha Chawinga and her sister Temwa are among the most successful African players on the international stage. Ghana will also rely on talents like Evelyn Badu and Princess Marfo, who recently transferred to PSV Eindhoven.
Beyond the continental title, the tournament serves as a crucial qualifying event for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, with all four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification. The four teams eliminated in the quarter-finals will compete in two additional playoff matches, with the winners securing a spot in FIFA’s intercontinental playoff tournament.
As reported by soccerdonna.de.
