WAFCON 2026 Group Stage to remember
With the curtains down on the thrilling group stage phase of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2026, everyone can agree that it lived up to expectations.
Between individual feats, major upsets, historic records, powerful emotions and memorable moments, the 16 participating teams delivered on-the-pitch action full of twists and turns.
Through this photo story, relive the moments that shaped this first part of the tournament.
A Stylish WAFCON
This year, the teams turned their arrival in Morocco into an authentic display of class, blending elegance, identity, and boldness.
The last two champions lose their first match
“Anything can happen!”
The phrase took on its full meaning from the very first days of the competition. The last two defending champions learned this the hard way. Nigeria suffered an opening defeat against Malawi 3-2 while South Africa lost to Tanzania 2-1. Two resounding defeats that served as a stark reminder that in this WAFCON, it will not be business as usual.
Temwa Chawinga and Evy Pereira forever the first
In their very first appearance, Malawi and Cabo Verde have already etched their names in history. Temwa Chawinga and Evy Pereira became the first goalscorers for their national teams in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Two pioneers who gave their countries an unforgettable moment and inscribed their names forever in the annals of the competition. Well done, ladies!
Racheal Nachula and Fatoumata Diarra - goalscorers at 40
While Temwa Chawinga and Evy Pereira were experiencing the competition for the first time, the old guard reminded everyone why old is gold. At 40, Zambian Racheal Nachula made history by becoming the oldest goalscorer in WAFCON history thanks to a penalty against Egypt. Malian striker Fatoumata Diarra, three months her junior followed in her steps, to guide the Lady Eagles to a 3-2 victory against Cabo Verde in her fifth appearance at the tournament, reminding everyone that experience remains a valuable asset at the highest level.
Asisat Oshoala scores in her 5th WAFCON
Consistency is the name of the game. Fourteen years after her first appearance on the continental stage, the Nigerian striker continues to build her legacy. From 2012 to 2026, she has consistently left her mark at the WAFCON, edition after edition. Four goals in 2014, six in 2016 – a total that earned her the title of top scorer, three in 2018, one in 2024, and already two in this 2026 edition. Exceptional consistency that testifies to her longevity at the highest level and her insatiable appetite for goals. Each tournament further enriches the legacy of one of the greatest icons of African Women's Football. Agba Baller!
Barbra Banda's Four-Goal Stroke
Against Egypt, Barbra Banda delivered an exceptional performance, scoring four goals, a rare feat in the history of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. The Zambian captain became only the third player to achieve this achievement, after Perpetua Nkwocha against Cameroon in 2004 and Asisat Oshoala against Mali in 2016. A remarkable entry into a very exclusive club, befitting the status of one of the most formidable strikers on the continent.
Gabrielle Aboudi Onguene, making it eight
At 37 years old, Cameroonian international Gabrielle Aboudi Onguene reached the milestone of eight appearances at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations during the Indomitable Lionesses' 2-1 victory over Mali in Group D. Coming on as a substitute late in the game, she marked her eighth participation in the continental competition, following her appearances in the 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2022, and 2026 editions. Legendary!
Proudly drafted!
They transformed a second chance into real success. Drafted thanks to the expansion of the competition from 12 to 16 teams, Cameroon and Côte d'Ivoire not only responded with intention but with a clear message that they belong to this level. The two teams finished at the top of their group and secured their ticket to the quarterfinals.
The Lady Elephants dominated Group B and finished on top with seven points while the Indomitable Lionesses amassed six points to top Group D - a demonstration of character which reminds us that in football, an extra opportunity can sometimes open the way to the most beautiful stories.
