Results of the matches of the first women's international window of the year
Between Morocco’s attacking display, Cameroon’s narrow victory over Nigeria and a controlled win for Côte d’Ivoire, several contenders for the Women’s AFCON underlined their ambitions during the first international window of the year.
However, the standout story of the weekend came from Southern Africa, where Namibia made history by winning the COSAFA Cup and claiming the first major title in their history after a dramatic final against South Africa.
Sunday, 1 March
Namibia 2–1 South Africa
Scorers: Hanavi 55', Ngonda 92' / Majiya 37'
The COSAFA Cup has a new champion. Namibia defeated South Africa 2-1 at the end of an intense and dramatic final in Polokwane. South Africa took the lead in the 37th minute through Majiya, going into the break ahead.
But the Brave Gladiators refused to surrender. Hanavi equalised in the 55th minute to bring Namibia back into the contest. As the match appeared to be heading towards extra time, Ngonda struck in added time (92') to seal a historic victory and spark scenes of celebration.
Nineteen years ago, in 2006, Namibia had reached their first COSAFA final but finished as runners-up. For nearly two decades, that achievement stood as their benchmark. This time, they went one step further, securing the first continental trophy in their history.
Saturday, 28 February
Cameroon 1–0 Nigeria
Scorer: Mbomozomo 89'
At the Ngoa-Ekelle Military Stadium in Yaoundé, the Indomitable Lionesses left it late. Cameroon claimed a narrow but valuable 1-0 win over Nigeria in a friendly match preparing both sides for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026.
The match was tightly contested and largely decided by a single moment. In the 89th minute, Yvana Mbomozomo found the breakthrough, scoring a decisive goal against the reigning African champions.
Cameroon fielded a side largely composed of players from the domestic league, giving the technical staff an opportunity to assess local talent and test combinations against one of the continent’s strongest teams.
Côte d’Ivoire 2–1 Benin
Scorers: Sery 17', Ronan 29' / Gandonou 62'
Côte d’Ivoire began their WAFCON preparations with a convincing 2-1 victory over Benin at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.
The Elephants quickly took control of the match. Sery opened the scoring in the 17th minute, and Ronan doubled the advantage shortly afterwards (29'). It was a dominant first-half display marked by intensity and attacking efficiency.
After the interval, Benin responded, with Gandonou reducing the deficit in the 62nd minute to briefly revive hopes. However, Côte d’Ivoire remained composed and solid defensively to see out the victory.
Ghana 4–0 Hong Kong
Scorers: Marfo 28', Boaduwaa 40', Boye-Hlorkah 47', Zakaria 87'
At the Al Hamriya Sports Club Stadium, the Black Queens launched their Ladies Pink Cup campaign with a comprehensive win over Hong Kong.
The start was cautious, with a slow tempo in the opening stages. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Princess Marfo, of FC Nordsjaelland, opened the scoring. Ghana then asserted control. Ten minutes later, Doris Boaduwaa capitalised on defensive gaps to add a second goal, giving Ghana a deserved 2-0 lead at half-time.
The dominance continued after the break. Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah of Nottingham Forest finished confidently from a Comfort Yeboah cross to make it three.
The scoreline could have been even more emphatic. Boaduwaa won a penalty in the 54th minute but saw her effort saved. The match also featured a memorable debut for Ajegipina Zakaria of Ampem Darkoa Ladies, who marked her first international appearance with Ghana’s fourth goal. The Black Queens will face Russia on Tuesday, 3 March, at the same venue.
Russia 4–1 Tanzania
Scorers: Yukyaeva 1', Smirnova 43', 56', Lushnikova 82' / Gerald 85'
In the other Ladies Pink Cup fixture, Russia defeated Tanzania 4-1. The Russians opened the scoring in the first minute through Yukyaeva. Smirnova extended the lead with a brace (43', 56') before Lushnikova added a fourth in the 82nd minute. Winfrida Gerald scored a late consolation goal for Tanzania in the 85th minute, but it was not enough to trouble the Russian side.
Egypt 0–3 Algeria
Scorers: Boussaha 49', Khiri 55', Naïli 87'
Algeria secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Egypt in a match played in 6th of October City. After a balanced first half, Boussaha broke the deadlock in the 49th minute. Khiri quickly doubled the advantage (55'), and Naïli sealed the win late on (87'), giving Algeria a comfortable and controlled triumph.
Friday, 27 February
Morocco 5–0 Burkina Faso
Scorers: Mssoudy 4', 6'; Jraidi 33', 57'; Mrabef 45'
Morocco delivered an attacking masterclass with a dominant 5-0 victory over Burkina Faso at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
The Atlas Lionesses took control early, with Mssoudy scoring twice in quick succession (4', 6'). Jraidi extended the lead in the 33rd minute, and Mrabef made it 4-0 just before half-time (45'). Jraidi added her second goal in the 57th minute to complete an emphatic and well-managed performance.
South Africa 1 (4–2 pens) 1 Zimbabwe
Scorers: Majiya 38' / Chinyere 11'
South Africa were pushed hard by Zimbabwe. The Banyana Banyana fell behind in the 11th minute to Chinyere’s opener but responded before half-time through Majiya (38').
With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, the semi-final was decided by penalties. South Africa prevailed 4-2 in the shootout to secure a place in the final against Namibia.
Zambia 0–1 Namibia
Scorer: Blou 90'
In the COSAFA Cup semi-final in Polokwane, Namibia stunned Zambia with a disciplined and determined display. The Brave Gladiators held firm against the Copper Queens and struck at the decisive moment.
As extra time loomed, Blou scored in the 90th minute to send Namibia into the final, setting up their historic triumph over South Africa.
Match Schedule
Monday, 2 March
17:00 – Benin v Kenya, Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan
Tuesday, 3 March
15:00 – Cameroon v Nigeria, Ngoa-Ekelle Military Stadium, Yaoundé
16:00 – Ghana v Russia, Al Hamriya Sports Club Stadium, Dubai
21:45 – Algeria v Egypt, City of October 6 Stadium, Cairo
22:00 – Morocco v Burkina Faso, Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat
Wednesday, 4 March
19:00 – Cote d'Iovire v Kenya, Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium, Ebimpé
Friday, 6 March
21:00 – Ghana v Tanzania, Al Hamriya Sports Club Stadium, Dubai