WAFCON 2026: Who Joins Morocco in Women’s Football Showpiece?

By Amaechi Agbo

The verdict is approaching in the qualification phase of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2026 qualifiers.
Sunday kicked 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.
Nigeria Close to Qualification
Still dominant in the continent and making in-road in the world, the Super Falcons of Nigeria will approach their return leg against Benin with confidence after a 2-0 away victory in Lome. The reigning champions, 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.
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
Senegal and Ivory Coast drew 0-0. Everything will be decided in Abidjan at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, ready to vibrate for the Elephants.