2026 WAFCON: Senegal edge Côte d’Ivoire on penalties to book spot in Morocco
Senegal have sealed their place at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026 after a gripping two-leg play-off against Côte d’Ivoire that went all the way to penalties.
A campaign built on defensive rigour ended with maximum drama as the Lionesses of Teranga held their nerve in the shoot-out.
Both matches in the qualifying play-off were fiercely contested but produced no goals. The first leg in Thiès, Senegal, finished 0–0, setting up a finely balanced return fixture in Côte d’Ivoire.
Four days later, the script repeated itself: 0–0 after 90 minutes, with neither side able to find a breakthrough.
The tie was decided from the spot, where tension peaked. In a charged atmosphere, Senegal kept their composure to win 5–4 on penalties against the Elephantes.
Already strong at regional level, Senegal’s qualification underlines their rise on the continental stage as they prepare to test themselves against Africa’s elite in Morocco.
For Côte d’Ivoire, elimination on penalties was a harsh reminder of top-level margins.
Despite sustained fight and several clear chances across both legs, the Elephantes could not convert, allowing a seemingly attainable qualification to slip away.
𝙉𝙊𝙐𝙎 𝙎𝙊𝙈𝙈𝙀𝙎 𝙌𝙐𝘼𝙇𝙄𝙁𝙄𝙀𝙀𝙎 | Le Senegal sera bel et bien au rendez-vous ! Nos lionnes vont disputer la Coupe d’Afrique des Nations au Maroc en 2026. #WAFCON2026Q pic.twitter.com/yiabCZxvhp
— FSF (@Fsfofficielle) October 28, 2025
With this victory, Senegal join the nations already qualified for the 2026 Women’s AFCON, promising compelling match-ups to come.
The result confirms the momentum behind Senegalese women’s football as the team looks to write new chapters on the African stage.
Route to the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026
First Round
Advanced after Chad’s withdrawal
Second Round
First leg: drew 0–0 v Côte d’Ivoire
Second leg: drew 0–0 v Côte d’Ivoire (Senegal won 5–4 on penalties)
Aggregate: Senegal advance 5–4 on penalties
Senegal at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
First participation: 2012
Best performance: 2022 & 2024
Appearances: 4 (2012, 2022, 2024 & 2026)
Head coach: Mame Moussa Cissé
Captain: Safietou Sagna