Malawi youngsters once again shone aiding the Chawinga sisters as they moved to the top of the group with maximum points from two games.
Egypt again put in a brave effort with Sarah Essam having a early opportunity but miscued her effort.
Malawi got into their rhythm and created opportunities but it took until the 35th minute to open the scoring when Temwa Chawinga rolled off a excellent pass to Rose Kadzere who made no mistake.
Kadzere had a effort off the woodwork before Faith Chinzimu lashed home the second in first half stoppage time.
Rose Alufandika saw red on 52 minutes bringing down Habiba Hafez who had got clear on goal.
Temwa Chawinga extender the lead racing onto a through ball and heading calmly over the advancing keeper to extend Malawi’s lead to 3-0.
However Egypt showed their grit and three minutes later a sublime free kick from Mahira Ali found the head of Emman Kassem with a well executed finish to reduce the scoring to 1-3.
Malawi however comfortably held out and a point will suffice to ensure qualification to the Quarter Final when they face Zambia in the final group match.
Highlights Egypt v Malawi
📽️ CAF
Under pressure Super Falcons produced a resiliant display to defeat Zambia 1-0 to prove the doubters and move into a solid position to advance to the Quarter Final.
With five changes from the game against Malawi the opening exchanges saw Zambia keen to attack but it was Nigeria who came closest on 4 minutes when Oshoala was clear but a poor touch saw the ball get away from her.
However four minutes later there was to be no mistake another long ball saw miscommunication in the Zambian defence and Oshoala raced in on goal to open the scoring.
The contest became tight and physical on 25 minutes Kundananji released Barbra Banda who was pulled down by Blessing Demehin. A red card card review overturned the caution as Banda was deemed to be offside.
A similar situation 10 minutes later however saw no relief for Demehin who saw red again pulling down Banda when clear and after VAR review her dismissal was confirmed.
Zambia continued probing but couldn’t create anything clear as the Nigerian defence stood firm.
The second half continued in the same vain with Nigeria comfortable as Zambia failed to capitalise on the extra player, opting to pass to early or as in Racheal Kundananji case shoot to early from distance wayward with space in front of her to attack the box.
Nigeria got forward when they could but mustering half opportunities however they remained in control.
Grace Chanda had a effort comfortably saved on 86 minutes, then in stoppage time Mwanza tried to feed Banda who was crowded out by a solid defence.
The last opportunity fell to Grace Chanda deep into stoppage time but her effort was poor and wide as Nigeria held on for the points.
Nigeria face Egypt in their last group game on August 4 while Zambia face Malawi
South Africa revived their WAFCON 2026 bid with a resounding comeback to earn a point.
It was Côte D’ivoire that controlled much of the game through 65 minutes before South Africa changes bought much needed impact on the offence and Côte D’ivoire seemed to tire and look to hang on.
A explosive break on 18 minutes ripped open the defence N’sira Safi Ouedraogo setting up Grace Ruth Sery for a clinical finish.
Sery doubled the lead again her pace too much for the South African defence and again fired home to double the advantage.
The game lulled as Banyana Banyana looked to fight back into the game as veteran Thembi Kgatlana started to show her form we are accustomed to. It was indeed a stunning Kgatlana effort to reduce the deficit on 71 minutes.
In a frantic finale as South Africa pushed for the equaliser in stoppage time Hildah Magaia was ruled offside in putting the ball into the goal on 90+4 minutes confirmed by the VAR. But South Africa were not to be denied when on 90+9 minutes Magaia struck to rescue a dramatic point.
Highlights South Africa v Côte D’ivoire
📽️ CAF
Burkina Faso responded from their opening loss to defeat Tanzania 2-1 to blow the group wide open heading to the final group matches.
Tanzania started on the offence Opa Clement firing over the first opportunity on 3 minutes. Adama Congo glanced a Faso opportunity wide on 18 minutes after good work by Rasmata Sawadogo.
Tanzania thought they had opened the scoring when Hasnath Ubamba produced a excellent cross to the far post, it was met powerfully by Opa Clement whose header rebounded off Dielawalea Sow but was deemed foul play as her follow through caught Sow with her elbow who in turn required treatment.
Despite neat play by Faso they did resort to some ambitious efforts from distance before in form Adele Kabre finally took a excellent pass and lifted the ball calmly over the advancing keeper to put Faso ahead.
The second half saw a innocuous challenge from Hasnath Ubamba stretching to block a clearance from the keeper, catching her ankle with her studs which on VAR review was deemed serious enough for a direct red card reducing Tanzania to 10 on 53 minutes.
But it was Tanzania who responded Donisia Minja firing a rasping freekick that was tipped onto the post with Aisha Mnunka alert to put home the rebound for the equaliser.
On 80 minutes a tired clearance was picked up by Diamilatou Zongo who played the ball into Deborah Guira in turn played a neat one – two with Adama Congo for Guira to roll the ball across the box for captain Balkissa Sawadogo to strike home what turned out to be the match winner
Six additional minutes was added however Faso held out comfortably to set up a rousing tense finale to group activities on August 4th.
Senegal edged a luckless Kenya in a entertaining duel 1-0. The opening period saw bright spells for both however Kenya was a little disjointed in the final third as Senegal grew into the game. Defences mainly controlled until a excellent long ball from Sokhna Nogaye Tall found Awa Casset who in turn played in Seynabou Mbengue to open the scoring. Kenya were mainly resorted to ambitious distant efforts, with Adji Ndiaye alert to one of Kenya’s better moves on 44 minutes snuffing out a Tereza Engesha opportunity.
The introduction of Marion Serenge saw a brighter Kenya more direct, Euphrasier Shilwatso’s distant effort was tipped onto the bar by Adji with Tereza Engesha following up only to hit the post.
On 76 minutes Serenge released Engesha who once again saw her effort strike the woodwork and once again Player of the match Adji Ndiaye was alert to foil Jereko.
It was not to be Kenya’s day as Senegal held out for the three points.
Adgi Ndiaye Player of the match
Senegal v Kenya highlights
📽️ CAF
Morocco edged out Algeria in a enthralling UNAF derby encounter to move clear at the top of the Group standings.
Algeria set out their stall and gradually frustrated the host as Morocco could not find a way through and create a clear opportunity.
The second half started with Algeria on the attack a neat ball saw Lynda Bedris clear on the right side only for Zineb Redouani to clear the danger.
Algeria stuck to the plan looking to counter while remaining solid it took to 75 minutes when Sanaa Mssoudy glanced a free kick to the far corner, Chloe N’Gazi was once again equal to the task.
On 84 minutes a corner was cleared but found Hanane Ait El Haj who lobbed the ball back into the centre to find a wide open Sanaa Mssoudy who clinically finished to break the deadlock.
In a intense atmosphere the host held out for the solitary goal success.
Morocco face Senegal while Algeria play Kenya in the final group encounters on August 3rd both games at 21:00.
Ghana opened their WAFCON 2026 bid with a controlled display to overcome Cape Verde 2-0. Controlling possession throughout the contest. It took seven minutes to open the scoring with Doris Boaduwaa racing onto a through ball from Portia Boakye and lobbing the keeper with style. Ghana kept the effort of the Cape Verde offence in check with ease and continued to create opportunities with the half ending with a Doris Boaduwaa glancing header going wide.
Sharon Sampson saw a shot cleared for a corner a lively addition entering the contest after the interval. Ghana doubled the advantage on 54 minutes when Eleia Pereira inadvertently put the ball in her own goal attempting a clearance.
Doris Boaduwaa saw another effort saved on 67 minutes before Sandra Martins attempted a long effort for Cape Verde which Cynthia Konlan was equal to.
Kleydiana Borges saw red for a deliberate trip in stoppage time as Cape Verde ended with ten on their WAFCON debut.
Ghana v Cape Verde highlights
📽️ CAF
Cameroun edged Mali 2-1 as the opening group games concluded. With both teams trying to impose its own game in the opening minutes it was Marie Giselle Ngah Manga racing onto a through ball and calmly slotting the ball low past the keeper to open the scoring for Cameroun, showing why she finished second in the Türkiye WSL goal Charts.
Cameroun seemed to be in control but Mali fought their way back with good battling in midfield a excellent pass from Aliya Diane released Aissata Traoré who was sent tumbling in the penalty area by Cameroun keeper Michaely Bihina. After a lengthy review Aissata calmly levelled from the penalty spot.
A distant effort from Monique Ngock cleared the bar on 43 minutes as the half fizzled out with the two level at the interval.
Cameroun imposed its game in the second half with the introduction of Michaela Abam and Soufiya Ngeuleu. Immediately on 49 minutes a Abam cross was recovered by Ngeuleu who fed Achta Njoya who saw her effort blocked. Cameroun continued to dominate and on 62 minutes Ngah Manga saw a point blank effort saved by Fatoumata Karentao.
However on 73 minutes Ngah Manga scored her brace from the penalty spot after being brought down by Karentao who received a caution for her troubles.
Despite remaining in control of possession Cameroun could not find a way to seal the game and deep in stoppage were nearly punished however Fatamatou Diarra tamely shot straight at a waiting Bihina a last gasp effort going begging for Mali to end a hard fought contest.
A inspired second half performance from Barbra Banda lead Zambia to a 6-0 win over Egypt.
Despite possession domination Zambia lead by a solitary goal at the interval courtesy of a Rachael Nachula penalty on 25 minutes.
However on the hour Barbra Banda doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after a handball award that saw the floodgates open, Zambia confidence grew and Banda struck again on 63 minutes.
Barbra Banda completed her hattrick on 87 minutes after the Egypt keeper failed to collect a cross the Orlando Pride Star calmly slotted the ball into the far corner.
Zesco Ndola’s Eneless Phiri then struck a superb effort to extend the lead to 5-0 before Barbra Banda with a clinical finish on 90+6 minutes completed the 6-0 rout.
Egypt v Zambia highlights
📽️ CAF
A inspired team performance saw Wafcon debutants Malawi defeat 10 times Champions Nigeria.
A first half dominated by defence that also showed Malawis ability to break at speed with Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie thwarting opportunities on three occasions. Nigeria suffered from poor passing as they were frustrated by a stubborn defence.
The second half continued in the same vain until Temwa Chawinga sprung a offside trap to race clear to round Nnadozie and put Malawi ahead. Minutes later Tabitha latched onto a long through ball that opened up the Nigeria defence to double the advantage.
On 90+2 minutes Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty after Uchenna Kanu’s header was called for a handball.
In a frantic finale Kanu hit the post before Malawi sprung clear for Temwa Chawinga lobbed Nnadozie to restore Malawi’s 2 goal advantage.
The scoring was not complete Uche Kanu raced into the area and pulled Nigeria back to 2-3, but it was to be the last play of what turned out to be a dramatic encounter.
Tanzania produced a excellent team display to upset the 2022 champions. South Africa started on the front foot but Noxolo Cesane miscued a clear opportunity on 11 minutes. Despite dominating possession it was Tanzania who opened the scoring with a excellent break rounded off by Diana Lucas Msewa. However Bambanani Mbane was alert to head home a loose ball from a misplaced attempted clearance by Tanzania keeper Najita Idrisa.
Tanzania grew in confidence in the second half with the introduction of Ubamba, who struck a excellent freekick on 57′ only to be denied by Andile Dlamini.
South Africa gained some momentum however a distant effort from Noxolo Cesane and a Majiya Ronisha close range effort put wide they failed to capitalise.
On 85 minutes Tanzania broke clear for the move to be put out for a throw in from which Hasnath Ubamba was released to embark on a weaving run and unleash a unstoppable effort to earn Tanzania 3 precious points to open their WAFCON 2026 bid.
Highlights South Africa v Tanzania
Côte D’ivoire dominated a slack game from Burkina Faso, Numpoa Traoré was called for a needless handball misjudging the bounce and Rebecca Elloh calmly opened the scoring from the spot. Ines Konan doubled the lead rounding off excellent team movement on 14 minutes. With star player Rosemonde Kouassi causing chaos on the right the Faso defence was struggling. Côte D’ivoire trebled the advantage on 23 minutes N’sira Safi Ouedraogo’s corner was met powerfully by Ines Konan for her brace.
On 38 minutes it seemed Côte D’ivoire would be reduced to ten, however on VAR review Mariam Diakite was reprieved of fouling Adama Congo.
However on 55 minutes Faso keeper Faouziatou Ouedraogo was not to have the same luck as she was dismissed for bringing down N’sira Safi Ouedraogo outside the box who had raced clear. N’sira dusted herself off and produced a sublime free kick to extend the lead on 56 minutes past replacement keeper Nina Dabilgou.
On the hour mark Burkina pulled a goal back with neat team movement on the right feeding Adama Congo to round off in style.
Côte D’ivoire remained in control to see out the game, with Faso producing a better second half showing spirit they will need to rebound in the second group match against Tanzania.
Highlights Côte D’ivoire v Burkina Faso
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has announced extensive coverage of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026 and further added the CAF TV channel on YouTube in select international markets, including the United Kingdom, to meet the significant increase in global demand.
Additional global coverage of TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Morocco 2026 will be available as follows:
Germany, Austria, and Switzerland: DAZN will broadcast all TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON WAFCON 2026 matches across the DACH region.
Israel: Sport 5 will show select matches from across the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON WAFCON 2026 group stages and up to the final.
Italy: Sport Italia will broadcast the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON WAFCON 2026 semi-finals and final, with Italian commentary.
Netherlands: The semi-finals and final will be available on Ziggo Sport Totaal channels.
Further details on international coverage of the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Morocco 2026 will be made available shortly.
Algeria produced a solid team display once again proving they can remain solid and hold their own against a physical pacey outfit with controlled technical style.
Though it took to 42 minutes to open the scoring through a Marine Dafeur penalty boosting confidence heading to the interval.
Algeria continued to give Senegal little opportunities and sealed the win on 82 minutes with high pressure capitalising on a clearance for Melissa Bethi to calmly slot home with a excellent turn and shot.
Host Morocco dominated a below par Kenya with three goals in a twelve minute spell partway through the first half. The host opened with high pressure though it was Kenya that almost took the lead through Tereza Engesha who smashed the bar from distance.
Morocco took control of the game a excellent through ball put Sakina Ouzraoui clear and a excellent finish opened the scoring on 20 minutes. Mareyeme Atiq doubled the lead on 28 minutes rising to head home a perfect corner, Ibtissam Jraïdi headed home a third four minutes later to put the host in cruise control.
Jraidi completed her brace on 47 minutes guiding home a low cross exquisitely for a 4-0 advantage.
The host cruised through the remainder of the game as they face unaf rival Algeria in their second group match on July 30th.
Kenya need to regroup as they face Senegal the same date, a poor display choices of passing, not taking on defence before releasing the ball giving little opportunities for its offence players to shine.
Finalist in the last Edition having let a 2 goal lead slip in the final against Nigeria, the host will aim to go one step further. Once again blessed with the core of the ASFAR club double winning team though that will soon change with numerous exits. A squad that has been together many years Khadija Er-rmichi in goal a solid defence Zineb Redouani, Nouhaila Benzina, Ghizlane Chebbak in midfield Ibtissam Jraïdi, Sanaa Mssoudy upfront a great spine remains intact. A year impacted by injury for Fatima Tagnaout in and out of the ASFAR line up Morocco will hope she can remain free throughout the course of the tournament. Of the younger generation Sakina Ouzraoui adds to the attack along with Hajar Said, Imane Saoud all good years will be sought on for contributions. Also Chaimaa Mourtaji who had a excellent campaign with UTS and recently scored a brace in a preparation match is showing capabilities of goals from elsewhere in the next generation of the Morocco WNT. Susceptible to pace and direct running can again bring there downfall. One player missing Annisa Lahmari is a blow for the host.
Algeria enter with a solid squad and buoyed by excellent team displays against Zambia. A good unit set up as in the previous wafcon to be difficult to break down having built a quite solid defence under Farid Benstiti. In midfield Lina Boussaha dangerous from distance and capable of opening a defence along with Marine Dafeur, Melissa Bethi teams will be wary of giving set peices away within striking distance. Taking opportunities in the attack has been a issue despite excellent technical build up play, Ines Khiri, Nouhed Naïli, Ines Boutaleb have generally been among the preferred choice though local players Ousasila Alouache who had a good spell of scoring in the Türkish Women’s Super League before returning to Akbou and Khouloud Ournani a outstanding season with Akbou with 50 goals are capable of troubling opponents defences. Algeria lost the Quarter Finals on penalties last year to Ghana after a goalless draw.
A low key Preperation in the South of France Kenya enter the WAFCON determined and a close unit. Lead by 7 of the Kenyan Women’s Premier League champions Kenya Police Bullets. In goal Lilian Awour had another excellent year with Romania champions Farul Constanta alongside veteran defender Enez Mango. A talented midfield Jereko, Terry Engesha, Mercy Akinyi, Elizabeth Okaka all capable of adding offense with the likes of Fasila Adhiambo, Violet Nanjala and the highly talented youth Valerie Nekesa. With pace to trouble the defence of the host and Algeria Kenya a team the opposition will be very wary of. Missing from the squad Jentrix Shikangwa was one slight surprise after another excellent year with Simba Queens and now moved onto FC Masar.
Seven of Aigles de la Medina double winning squad come together as Senegal prepare their bid for the WAFCON. A strong physique to make the opposition work very hard. The team is set up to frustrate work hard break with pace. Anita Dembele, Sadigatou Diallo, Awa Casset formed a excellent spine in Aigles dominant year with the latter many goal contributions. With the experience of players like Korka Fall, Bineta Seck Nguenar Ndiaye if they can keep there composure and construction are capable of posing each teams issues.
Group B
2022 WAFCON champions enter the tournament bouyed by a 1-0 defeat of Japan, although they lost the first encounter 5-0, the win lifted spirits and preparations have been rather short since with the ongoing Hollywoodbets Super League.
11 of reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns make the list and buoyed by excellent league form of which they won their opening 5 Games a combined 21-0. Noxolo Cesane leads the scoring chart with 5 goals with veteran Refiloe Jane of TS Galaxy with 4. Gabriella Salgado of JVW also enters in good form.
Veterans Linda Mthalo comes from a excellent season with Glasgow City and Thembi Kgatlana returning after missing the last edition to bolster a well set up unit lead by head coach Desiree Ellis.
With the likes of Ronnel Donnelly, Zoe October a mixture of experience and youth among the 26 aiming to reach the World Cup in Brásil and at minimum match their Seml Final appearance in WAFCON 2024. With 21 home based players they come in fresh and determined.
Lead by Reynald Pedros Côte D’ivoire make their third appearance and first since 2014. Qualifying as one of the second round lucky losers.
A solid squad built around 9 of ASEC Mimosas championship winning squad though missing the scoring prowress of Ouedraogo Habibou for put to be Administration reasons and talented overseas players the likes of Koko Ange N’Guessan, Rosemonde Kouassi, Bernadette Amani, Rebecca Elloh have vital roles along with ASEC’s Ami Diallo and highly regarded youngster N’sira Safi Ouedraogo. Opposition will note a high number of headed goals in recent games with excellent crossing but need to convert more opportunities against the higher level team.
Aicha Fofana, Esther Pindo Daple enter as key defenders in ASEC’s recent successes and look to solidify the defence. Another hard working team.
Unlike others the team is not built around the champions USFA though 6 of the team are included in the squad list.
Without keeper Pascaline Sawadogo due to administrative reasons,one of Etincelles Fouziatou Ouedraogo, Nina Dabilgou ASEC back up or Aminata Korogo of ASO will be entrusted between the post.
Charlotte Millogo a outstanding season with USFA Stephanie Zida, Safiatou Sam are part of the defence which at times can get exposed and necessary for the defencive midfield to maintain its presence.
Recent Washington Spirit signing midfielder Belém Alimata a veteran of the team despite a young age is a pivotal figure in the middle with Rasmata Sawadogo capable of providing offence to coming from a respectful season with Hakkarigücü.
Juliet Nana provided a solid campaign with Giresun a striker capable of scoring alongside Adama Congo and Adele Kabre who topped the scoring in the Chinese Women’s Super League with leaders Liaoning and enters in excellent form a player opponents will need to be wary of.
Remaining solid and composed is the key if they are to progress.
Tanzania enter without two exciting talents in Clara Luvanga and Winifrida Gerald. However there are many more capable and players to watch. Another team with defensive issues that can suddenly open up a aspect seen in the Tanzania Women’s Premier league.
Only 4 of the champions Simba Queens make the list Fatuma Issa, the talented Aisha Juma Mnunka, Asha Omary a youthful talent and keeper Janeth Shija.
Enekia Lunyamila listed as defence and well known in Liga mx femenil, Al Nassr’s Julitha Singano, Esther Maseke of runner up JKT Queens Violeth Nicholaus part of Palm Hills impressive season in Egypt have the task of remaining key parts of the backline among the others listed.
Talented veteran Donisia Minja, with Diana Lucas Msewa and the highly talented Hasnath Ubamba who was a key figure in FC Masar’ s progress before her recent move to Liga F with strong running and goal scoring abilities.
Stumai Abdallah Opa Clement are two highly respected and talented forwards with the 15 years old Elizabeth Chenge making her name with displays for JKT Queens and in Cecafa youth tournaments if given the opportunity a player to watch.
Group C
Nigeria 10 times champions and enter to take the eleventh with a squad by far the deepest particularly in the offence and with player capabilities of multiple positions.
No introductions to most we all know the capabilities of Chiamaka Nnandozie in goal regarded as one of the best in the world. A defence solidified by the rise of Shukarat Oladipo with Blessing Demehin, the experience of Osinachi O’Hale despite the lost touch of pace and can be got at for the opposition scouting will use her wealth of experience to overcome this positioning wise with Glory Ogbonna who had a very good year with Kiryat Gat, very good passing abilities and composure capable of stepping in.
Folashade Ijamilusi who has been playing right back in recent weeks with her club Liaoning very impressively, Christie Ucheibe very solid defender, defensive midfielder, Toni Payne all can multiply positions. Deborah Abiodun also providing solid midfield graft and Jennifer Echegini providing forward burst capable of being very dangerous in the box.
A highly talented list in the Forward department with Rasheedat Ajibade a key figure as the provider, Omorinsola Babajide, Esther Okoronkwo, with any of Gift Monday, Joy Omewa, Asisat Oshoala very capable finishers alongside Uche Kanu who had a very strong campaign with Cruz Azul another strong runner and scorer.
With very little weaknesses for the WAFCON being mentally prepared knowing they are facing two strong attacking line ups is their key.
Lead by attacking stars Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga how Malawi progress depends on their ability to stay composed and together in the backline.
Overrun by Ghana in the final warm up match alot of responsibility is dependant on the likes of Faith Chinzimu, Rose Kadzere Tendai Sani to assist both sides of the ball, a defense composed all but one of home grown players learning their way still to a new high level of Woso.
Despite the defensive frailty alongside the Chawinga’s are the league leading scorer Deborah Henry, the experience of Sabinah Thom and at times a expansive fast break capable of opening up any defence.
Malawi in their first WAFCON will certainly be a joy and intriguing team to watch with the highly anticipated match up with Zambia a match very likely being the key to the Quarter Finals.
Zambia enter aiming to extinguish memory’s of a 5-0 thrashing by Nigeria in the Quarter Finals and determination to qualify for the FIFA Women’s 2027 World Cup.
Despite turbulence of the pitch the players remain solid together as a unit, hoping recent preparation in Brásil will bear fruit as they continue to grow together in the defensive department of the game.
While we know of the offence capabilities added to with league leading scorer Avell Chitundu and her Zesco team mate Eneless Phiri who can be a key to providing offence with Grace Chanda, it is also vital that the likes of Susan Banda, Rhoda Chileshe, Ireen Lungu, Rachael Nachaula provide high work rates to assist the backline.
Rachael Kundananji and Barbra Banda as we know lead the offence again two players everyone always delighted to watch.
Zambia will hope that little more experience globally will see them through.
Egypt big under dog in the group however determined not to make up the numbers, with a similarity in style to Algeria looking to set up and frustrate the opposition.
Six of the champions FC Masar Nour Abdelwahed dangerous from set pieces in the opposition box scoring a few goals in the recent league campaign, Nada Rashwan, Amira Abdelhamid, Habiba Bitskah all defenders with CAF Women’s Champions League experience alongside forwards Farah Elmahdy and Yassmin Abdelaziz a exciting wing forward each providing roles in FC Masar success.
Nadine Ghazi comes off a excellent campaign with Al Alhy alongside Mahira Ali who has started games recently for Beijing a excellent technical player.
With the experience of Sarah Essam up front to provide another offensive opportunity.
A very difficult group for Egypt facing powerful forward lines.
Group D
Ghana semi Finalist in the 2024 edition losing on penalties to host Morocco have built on the experience and enter the tournament as a potential Champion. A team of players with a very high work rate and many exciting talents.
With Cynthia Konlan a respected keeper, defenders such as Benedicte Simon coming off a very good campaign with Servette, Comfort Yeboah despite her age plenty of experience Portia Boakye among the listed backline that enters with five successive clean sheets since the 2-0 loss to England.
With exciting talents in midfield from Stella Nyamekye, Grace Asantewaa, Evelyn Badu, Linda Owusu with the experience of Jennifer Cudjoe and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah players to set up the offence and solidify the back.
Doris Boaduwaa who possessed a very high work rate leading Katamon to the title in Israel often starting from deep in her own half as well as her scoring prowess shown in the 4-0 warmup victory over Malawi with a hattrick. Princess Marfo, Princella Adubea, Ghana Women’s Premier League leading scorer Ajegipina Zakaria and the experience of Alice Kusi all among a growing team lead very well by Kim Lars Björkegren.
Mali enter as another of the four lucky losers with a low key build up and no league season for players to prepare long term. There was only a recent cup tournament that USFAS won therefore only 3 home based players
Mali will enter the tournament defeating FUS 2-1 in a preparation match.
Kani Konte, Fatou Dembele bring experience to the defence alongside Tennisoun Sissoko who recently departed Paris FC.
Mali look for Saratou Traoré to maintain her club form from the Chinese Women’s Super League to provide the offensive impact for the likes of Oumou Koné, Salimatu Diarra a impressive season in Morocco, and Aissatou Traoré of Boston Legacy in the NWSL.
A quarter Finalist in the last Edition courtesy of a best third place finish a option unavailable this year with the expansion to 16 teams.
Cameroun another lucky loser and enter the tournament discreetly with initial rumblings behind the scenes leading to players such as Njara Nchout withdrawal from the squad.
Valentine Nguele leads the squad earning the role after success with Ebolowa in the Guiness Super League.
Talented keeper Mihaely Bihina is likely to be entrusted in the goal.
Ousmanou Doudouh and Lewijo Djapa Mogan enter as part of the Ebolowa championship winning defence, with the experience of Easther Mayi Kith with Urawa Reds, Claudia Dabda of Al Hilal will be hoping to solidify from the loss to Algeria which saw them exposed alot in two poor outings. However since they defeated Nigeria with a local team that took to a strong comeback in the second game from the WAFCON champions to break down. We will see what lessons were learned.
The midfield has high talents Monique Ngock hard working solid midfielder a very good spell with Fleury, Naomi Eto a talent from the U20 Women’s World Cup learning her way in Sassuolo, and unlikely to return to PSG, however capable of a defence split pass and distance efforts. Charlene Meyong Fatima Kone others to provide bite in the middle.
Gabrielle Onguene the veteran still capable of providing goals with the tenacious Michaela Abam, Marie Gisele Ngah Manga second top scorer in the Türkish Women’s Super League with 27, with Bella Rose capable of providing speed from the wing if required. Also in the squad Grace Mendoua coming off a exceptional league campaign leading Ebolowa to the title with excellent speed, 12 goals during the campaign 4 assist one of Camerouns bright young talents.
The situation is a little sad we will not see Tiwa Lys in the tournament despite only being 18 the great talent of the league for the past two seasons is uninvited.
Will Cameroun come together after the Preperation started in such circumstances we will see it has enough talent though could have been more their frame of mind is the key.
Cape Verde qualified with a rousing performance over Mali in the Second Qualifying Round a team with purpose and togetherness.
However it is noticeable the search for new players particularly from Spain and Portugal to try to improve the depth of the squad.
Noticeable defensive frailty in the Preperation matches with Morocco should they go further in the tournament.
However in midfield Larissa Melo will be looked for providing a attacking impact, to feed the likes of the highly talented Evy Pereira, Ivania Moreira.
A squad difficult to analyse overall with little coverage from the association however from the qualifying we can assess the spirit of the squad and capable of pushing for the second spot putting behind Preperation results when it comes to the tournament beginning with some good technical players to go alongside the team spirit.
WAFCON 2026: Global Broadcasters Confirmed for Historic Tournament
Leading global broadcasters, including long-term CAF partners beIN Sports and the United Kingdom’s Channel 4, along with DAZN in Europe, Ziggo, and CANAL+ across French-speaking Africa, will broadcast the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026, which kicks off in Rabat on Sunday, 26 July 2026.
The impressive broadcast lineup also includes leading African broadcasters SNRT for hosts Morocco, SABC in South Africa, AZAM Media across parts of East Africa, including Tanzania, and BBC Radio for several Sub-Saharan African territories.
More than 18 Free-to-Air (FTA) broadcasters will also bring the tournament to fans, including KBC (Kenya), AfroSport (Nigeria), MaxTV (Ghana), RTI (Côte d’Ivoire), RTCV (Cape Verde), ZNBC (Zambia), and RTB (Burkina Faso).
The tournament gets underway with Algeria taking on Senegal in the opening match in Rabat at 18:00 local time (17:00 GMT) on Sunday. Hosts Morocco then face Kenya at 21:00 local time (20:00 GMT / 23:00 East Africa Time).
Expanded to 16 national teams, the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Morocco 2026 promises to be the biggest and most exciting edition of the competition to date. The tournament also features a record USD 2 million prize for the champions.
For the first time, fans in the United Kingdom will be able to watch the tournament live through CAF’s partnership with Channel 4, while DAZN has secured the rights for Germany and surrounding territories.
CAF’s long-standing broadcast partner beIN Sports will provide complete coverage throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, while CANAL+ will broadcast matches across French-speaking countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
A grande talent for numerous years in Burkina Faso Alimata Bélem is set for the NWSL after Washington Spirit announced her signing today. She will remain on loan at her present club SD Eibar before officially joining the Washington Spirit next January. A key player for ASO in the Faso D1 Feminine, Amine got a move to Spain where she has remained Firstly with Dux Logrono and then Eibar.
SL Benfica are set to commence their rebuilding after many exits in the off season with crucial players of their many successes in recent years departing. Janet Akekeromowei a young powerful striker from Bayelsa Queens coming back from injury sustained in February during a qualifying tie against Senegal, a serious blow to Bayelsa.
Türkiye 🇹🇷 WSL
Galatasaray finally confirmed the signature of Aude Gbedjissi from Lens joint 2nd leading scorer with 11 goals alongside Mathilde Bourdieu, Lucie Calba, Tabitha Chawinga, Merveille Kanjinga, last season. A great talent key in Lens promotion in 2024-25 continued her scoring, Galatasaray replace Ngah Manga very well.
Wafcon 2026 host Morocco defeated Cape Verde 5-0 in their last match before their opening game against Kenya. Ibtissam Jraidi was alert in the box ti smash home the opening goal on 21 minutes. Sanaa Mssoudy then took over with a hattrick with her usual composure. Yasmin Mrabet rounded off the scoring in the 84th minute.
