WAFCON 2026: African contenders step up preparations ahead of Morocco finals
With less than three weeks until the start of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, preparations across the continent are entering a decisive phase.
From 17 March to 3 April, Morocco will host Africa’s premier women’s football tournament, and the 16 qualified nations are now using the first international window of the year to sharpen tactics, assess squads and build cohesion ahead of the finals.
Coaches are finalising provisional lists, experimenting with combinations and placing renewed emphasis on match fitness.
A series of high-profile friendly fixtures has been arranged to provide competitive rehearsal before the tournament kicks off.
Friendly schedule (GMT)
Friday, 27 February
22:00 – Morocco v Burkina Faso, Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat
Saturday, 28 February
15:00 – Cameroon v Nigeria, Ngoa-Ekelle Military Stadium, Yaoundé
17:00 – Cote d'Ivoire v Benin, Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan
20:45 – Algeria v Egypt, City of October 6 Stadium, Cairo
Monday, 2 March
17:00 – Benin v Kenya, Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan
Tuesday, 3 March
15:00 – Cameroon v Nigeria, Ngoa-Ekelle Military Stadium, Yaoundé
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'Ivoire v Kenya, Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium, Ebimpé
The double-header between Cameroon and Nigeria stands out as one of the most anticipated contests of the window, offering both sides a stern examination of their credentials. Meanwhile, hosts Morocco will test themselves twice against Burkina Faso in Rabat, seeking rhythm and consistency before welcoming the continent next month.
Cote d'Ivoire, Algeria and Egypt also have opportunities to measure progress, while Kenya and Benin aim to build momentum against regional opponents.
The Pink Ladies Cup
Elsewhere, Tanzania and Ghana have opted for overseas preparation, travelling to Dubai for the Pink Ladies Cup in the United Arab Emirates between 28 February and 6 March.
The annual invitational tournament also features Russia and Hong Kong, providing diverse opposition and a competitive environment for tactical refinement. For the two African sides, the highlight will be their meeting on the final day — a fixture likely to offer insight into readiness levels before the continental showpiece.
By staging their preparations in a neutral international setting, both Tanzania and Ghana hope to expose their squads to varied playing styles and conditions, while strengthening team chemistry.
COSAFA Cup semi-finals
Southern Africa’s focus shifts to the COSAFA Cup, where Malawi, South Africa and Zambia have been involved in regional competition.
Malawi’s campaign ended at the group stage, but defending champions South Africa and Zambia remain in contention and will contest the semi-finals on 27 February. Zambia’s Copper Queens face Namibia, while South Africa’s Banyana Banyana take on Zimbabwe.
For the regional heavyweights, competitive knockout football offers valuable intensity and match sharpness before attention turns fully to Morocco.