The eleven teams that will join hosts Morocco at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) were confirmed on Tuesday, with Malawi and Cape Verde making history by qualifying for the continental showpiece for the first time.
Malawi secured their maiden qualification after a 2-0 victory over Angola in Lilongwe. Faith Chimzimu was the hero of the day, scoring twice in the 80th and 81st minutes to seal a famous win for the Scorchers.
Cape Verde, meanwhile, overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit to defeat Mali 4-2 away from home. Having only played their first-ever international match in 2018, the island nation produced a stunning performance in the second leg to earn their first-ever WAFCON appearance.
Defending champions Nigeria also booked their place after a 3-1 aggregate victory over Benin, despite a 1-1 draw in the return leg. The Super Falcons will be chasing an unprecedented 11th title next year. South Africa, winners in 2022, sealed their qualification with a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over the Democratic Republic of Congo, following a goalless first leg.
Ghana, who finished third at the 2024 edition, cruised past Egypt with a dominant 4-0 win, completing an emphatic 8-0 aggregate victory. Doris Boaduwaa netted a hat-trick, while Comfort Yeboah added the final goal to secure the Black Queens’ return to the continental stage.
In other results, Algeria edged Cameroon 1-0 to progress 3-1 on aggregate, silencing the home crowd in Yaoundé. Tanzania defeated Ethiopia 1-0 to complete a 3-1 aggregate win and secure their place.
Elsewhere, Kenya will return to WAFCON for the first time in ten years after a 4-1 aggregate triumph over Gambia, capped by a 1-0 away win. Burkina Faso also qualified with a 1-0 victory against Togo, sealing a 3-1 aggregate success, while Senegal advanced after defeating the Ivory Coast 5-4 on penalties following goalless draws in both legs.
The confirmed teams heading to Morocco 2026 are: Zambia, Tanzania, Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Burkina Faso, South Africa, Senegal, Malawi, and Cape Verde.
Beyond the continental glory, the 2026 WAFCON, which will take place between 17 March and 3 April, will serve as a crucial qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists will earn direct tickets to the global showpiece, while two additional nations will proceed to the intercontinental play-offs.
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