Women’s AFCON 2026: Who Will Join Morocco?
The verdict is approaching in the qualification phase of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026 qualifiers.
This Sunday will kick off the return legs of the final qualifying round, which will determine the eleven teams that will join Morocco, already qualified as the host nation.
The Atlas Lionesses, finalists of the previous edition, will be watching closely across the continent to see the outcome of these matches and learn who their future opponents will be at the grand celebration of African women’s football, scheduled next year in the Kingdom of Morocco.
Weekend Showdown: South Africa Against the Wall vs. DR Congo
Former African champions South Africa must be wary of a particularly combative Democratic Republic of Congo team. Held to a 1-1 draw in Kinshasa in the first leg, Banyana Banyana will need to leverage their experience in front of their home crowd at in Johannesburg.
The South Africans can count on strong home support, but DR Congo, led by Ruth Kipoyi, the goalscorer in the first leg, firmly believes in their chances of a stunning upset.
Algeria Defends Their Lead in Douala
Having beaten Cameroon 2-1 in Bir El Djir, Algeria holds a slight advantage heading into the tricky away trip to Douala. The Greens impressed with their cohesion, guided by scorers Ghizlane Karchouni and Mélissa Dafeur in the first leg.
But the Indomitable Lionesses, led by Ajara Njoya Nchout, are determined to reverse the trend at home at Stade de la Réunification. The duel promises to be intense between two teams with rich continental histories.
Egypt Faces the Ghanaian Mountain
Defeated 3-0 in Cairo, Egypt will need a true miracle in Accra to overturn a Ghana side in excellent form. The Black Queens, led by Doris Boaduwaa, Mavis Amponsah, and Grace Asantewaa, made the difference in the last twenty minutes of the first half. At home, they aim to comfortably confirm their qualification.
Malawi Hopes to Surprise Angola
After a goalless first leg (0-0), everything is still to play for between Malawi and Angola. The Malawians, backed by the crowd at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, have a slight home advantage.
Led by Tabitha Chawinga, one of African football’s top forwards, the team will need to be more clinical if they hope to secure a historic spot in the WAFCON.
Senegal and Cote d'Ivoire seeking a breakthrough
In Thiès, Senegal and Ivory Coast drew 0-0. Everything will be decided in Abidjan at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, ready to vibrate for the Elephants.
Both nations, ambitious and familiar with each other, share the same goal: returning to the continental stage. The Lionesses of Teranga will rely on a solid defense, while the Ivorian side will aim to use the speed of their attacks to make the difference.
Togo Aims to Upset Burkina Faso
Defeated 2-0 in Ouagadougou, Togo will need a big performance at Stade de Kégué to overturn the score against Burkina Faso.
The Stallions, led by Rachelle Sawadogo and Adama Kabré, have shown great tactical discipline. Qualification would mark another step forward in the growth of women’s football in Burkina Faso.
Tanzania in a Strong Position Against Ethiopia
Having won the first leg 2-0 thanks to goals from Aisha Mnunka and Jamila Rajabu, Tanzania heads to Addis Ababa with confidence. The Ethiopians, returning in front of their fans at Abebe Bikila Stadium, will need to win by three goals to overturn the deficit.
The Tanzanian Queens Scorpions aim for a second consecutive qualification, a sign of the growing strength of women’s football in the region.
Zambia Wants to Finish the Job Against Namibia
A quarterfinalist in the last edition, Zambia took a strong step forward with a 4-2 win in Windhoek. Racheal Kundananji, who scored a hat-trick, once again demonstrated her deadly efficiency.
In front of their home crowd in Ndola, the Copper Queens hope to confirm their qualification and cement their status among Africa’s best teams.
Nigeria Close to Qualification
Still dominant, Nigeria approaches the return leg against Benin with confidence after a 2-0 away victory. The Super Falcons, led by Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo, once again showcased their experience.
Returning to Abeokuta should be the chance to seal qualification and continue the pursuit of another continental title.
Mali Well-Positioned but Cautious
Thanks to a late goal from Coumba Dembélé (81st minute) in Praia, Mali enters the return leg in Bamako with a slight advantage over Cape Verde.
The Eagles, backed by fans at Stade du 26 Mars, do not intend to miss the chance to reach another final phase. But the defensively solid Cape Verde team has not said its last word.
Kenya one step away from Morocco
Victorious 3-1 in the first leg thanks to goals from Adhiambo, Adam, and Shalyne, Kenya enters the return leg in Thiès in a strong position. The Harambee Starlets have not participated in the WAFCON since 2016 and dream of returning to the continental stage.
Against Gambia, who will need to take risks for a spectacular comeback, the Kenyans aim to confirm the strong momentum shown in Nairobi.
At the conclusion of these matches, the eleven teams that will complete the lineup for the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026, will be known.