WAFCON
WAFCON 2025 Quarterfinals Preview: Titans Collide as Knockout Drama Begins
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
The group stage of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2025 has concluded. Eight teams are still competing for continental glory.
With four quarterfinal clashes spread over two days, fans can expect high drama. There will be intense rivalries. Dreams are on the line as teams battle for a place in the semifinals. For some, it’s about qualification to the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Here’s a breakdown of the quarterfinal matchups and what to expect from each clash:
Nigeria vs Zambia
Friday July 18, 2025 | Time: 17:00 | Venue: Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca
This tie promises to be one of the standout encounters of the quarterfinals. Nine-time champions Nigeria, ever the tournament heavyweights, face a rising Zambian side brimming with confidence and attacking flair.
The Super Falcons have shown tactical discipline and squad depth under coach Justin Madugu, while Zambia’s Copper Queens, led by star striker Barbra Banda, continue to prove they are no pushovers in African women’s football.
Zambia will be looking to avenge their semi-final loss to Nigeria in 2022 and prove they can go toe-to-toe with Africa’s most decorated women’s team. The physical battle in midfield and pace on the flanks could be decisive.
Morocco vs Mali
Friday, July 18, 2025 | Time: 20:00 | Venue: Stade Olympique, Rabat
Host nation Morocco will enjoy passionate home support under the Rabat lights as they clash with Mali in what promises to be a tactical chess match. The Atlas Lionesses, runners-up in 2022, have grown in maturity and cohesion, and will look to harness their home advantage to reach the semifinals once again.
Mali, however, will not be overawed. They have shown grit and resilience in their journey so far and will aim to upset the hosts with disciplined defending and counterattacks. A tight contest could come down to moments of individual brilliance or a set-piece decider.
Algeria vs Ghana
Saturday July 19, 2025 | Time: 17:00 | Venue: Berkane Stadium, Berkane
Ghana’s Black Queens head into this clash as slight favourites after a strong group-stage campaign, but they will be wary of a spirited Algerian side that has shown defensive tenacity. Ghana boasts a balanced squad with firepower from the likes of Evelyn Badu and Princella Adubea, and will look to control the tempo early.
Algeria, meanwhile, will need to absorb pressure and take their chances efficiently. With both teams chasing a semifinal return after years of near misses, the intensity will be high. This is a match where experience and composure may outweigh flair.
South Africa vs Senegal
Saturday, July 19, 2025 | 🕗 Time: 20:00 | Venue: Stade de l’Honneur, Oujda
Defending champions South Africa are on a mission to retain their crown, and their commanding performance in the group stage suggests they remain the team to beat. Led by experienced stars like Refiloe Jane and Hildah Magaia, Banyana Banyana bring pace, precision, and tactical clarity to every match.
Senegal, however, are quietly gaining momentum and will relish the underdog tag. Their physicality and disciplined structure could pose challenges, especially if they frustrate South Africa and force errors. Expect a battle of styles: South Africa’s flowing football versus Senegal’s structured solidity.
What’s at Stake?
Beyond semifinal places, the WAFCON quarterfinals are crucial as the top four teams will also secure automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup. For teams like Zambia and Mali, it’s a chance to make history. For Nigeria and South Africa, it’s about legacy and dominance. And for Morocco, it’s the weight and pride of hosting a nation’s hopes.
As knockout football begins, expect surprises, heart-stopping moments, and African women’s football at its most thrilling.
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By Kunle Solaja.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been postponed, with Africa’s football governing body announcing new dates for the tournament in Morocco.
The Confederation of African Football confirmed that the 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will now take place from 25 July to 16 August 2026, instead of the earlier scheduled dates of 17 March to 3 April 2026.
Morocco was awarded the hosting rights for the continental showpiece in October 2024, with preparations already underway for what is expected to be one of the biggest editions of the competition. It doubles as the qualification tournament for the Women’s World Cup, as the top four finishers will feature in the global event.
CAF said the decision to move the tournament followed consultations with FIFA and other key stakeholders.
In a statement, CAF explained that the adjustment was made “to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”
Although the organisation did not elaborate on the nature of those circumstances, the rescheduling shifts the tournament to the traditional mid-year international football window, which is often more favourable for player availability and logistics.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is the continent’s flagship women’s football competition and serves as a crucial platform for the development and visibility of the women’s game in Africa.
Morocco, which successfully hosted the 2022 edition of the tournament, is expected to leverage its modern stadium infrastructure and growing reputation as a major football events destination to deliver another high-profile competition.
CAF expressed confidence that the revised schedule will allow all stakeholders to adequately prepare for the tournament.
“Preparations for the WAFCON 2026 are underway, and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful,” the governing body stated.
The tournament will bring together Africa’s top women’s national teams competing for continental supremacy, with the rescheduling expected to give organisers additional time to ensure optimal preparations for the event.
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The Confederation of African Football has announced that it will issue an official communication within the next 48 hours regarding the situation surrounding the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026.
In a brief message posted on social media, CAF indicated that the matter has been under extensive discussion in recent weeks and is currently receiving urgent attention at the highest levels of the organisation.
“CAF will communicate within the next 48 hours on the situation regarding the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON26. There have been several discussions over the past weeks. The matter is receiving urgent and high-level attention,” the confederation stated.
Although CAF did not provide specific details about the issue under review, the statement suggests that senior officials within the continental governing body are working toward a resolution.
The development has sparked anticipation across the African football community, particularly among national teams preparing for the women’s continental championship.
The Confederation of African Football is expected to clarify the circumstances and outline the next steps for the tournament when it releases its official update within the stipulated timeframe.
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Reigning African champions Nigeria produced a commanding response, defeating Cameroon 3–1 on Tuesday in the second of their pre-WAFCON international friendlies in Yaounde.
Three days after suffering a narrow 1–0 loss at the Military Stadium, the Super Falcons returned to the same venue. They delivered a far more assured performance, underlining their pedigree as perennial continental powerhouses.
Head Coach Justin Madugu rang the changes, making seven alterations to the starting line-up that featured in Saturday’s defeat. However, it was Cameroon who struck first again, netting in the seventh minute to momentarily raise concerns of a repeat setback.
Nigeria responded with composure and growing authority.
Forward Chinwendu Ihezuo restored parity in the 32nd minute, rising above her marker to power home a header from a well-delivered cross by Rinsola Babajide. The equaliser settled the Falcons, who began to dictate tempo and press with greater coordination.
Just before the break, the comeback was completed. After a scramble inside the Cameroonian box, Babajide reacted quickest to fire home in the 43rd minute, turning provider into scorer to give Nigeria a 2–1 lead at halftime.
Madugu’s reshaped midfield proved decisive, pressing higher up the pitch, shutting down central channels and forcing the Lionesses into speculative long balls.
The Falcons extended their advantage in the 64th minute. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, influential down the right flank, delivered a teasing cross into the penalty area. Michelle Alozie attacked the ball with conviction, launching into a flying header that made it 3–1 and effectively sealed the contest.
Both sides treated the two-match series as crucial preparation for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.
For Nigeria, the emphatic victory not only avenged Saturday’s defeat but also reaffirmed their status as Africa’s benchmark in women’s football heading into the continental showpiece.
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