WAFCON
And Now, The Fantastic Four! WAFCON 2024 Presents Fireworks as Heavyweights Clash in Morocco
Only four teams remain in the race, and with each step forward, the stakes soar. After weeks of action, the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco is down to a quartet of continental powerhouses—each carrying a dream, each with a story of grit and ambition.
From Rabat to Casablanca, the semifinals promise drama, emotion, and history in the making.
On Tuesday, the spotlight shifts to two explosive matchups: host nation Morocco face Ghana in Rabat, while defending champions South Africa battle nine-time winners Nigeria in a heavyweight showdown in Casablanca.
Morocco vs Ghana: A Clash of Dreams and Grit
Three years ago, Morocco broke new ground by reaching the WAFCON final. That milestone lit a spark in a nation previously on the periphery of women’s football. In 2024, that spark has become a wildfire.
The Atlas Lionesses are no longer underdogs; they are contenders, driven by a raucous home crowd and the tactical acumen of former Spain coach Jorge Vilda.
Their path to the semifinals has been marked by resilience and flair, best illustrated in their 3-1 quarterfinal triumph over Mali, where talismanic striker Ibtissam Jraïdi bagged a brace to send the Olympic Stadium into raptures.
“There’s chemistry, there’s soul,” Vilda declared after the match. “This team knows how to endure and strike at the right time.”
But Ghana pose a very different threat. The Black Queens have emerged as one of the most determined sides in the competition, playing with a chip on their shoulder.
Dismissed by many ahead of the tournament, they’ve turned that slight into steel. They edged past Algeria in a tense quarterfinal shootout after a goalless draw, thanks largely to goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan’s heroics.
“This team has been underestimated for too long,” Ghana’s Swedish head coach Kim Björkegren said. “We want to shake things up.”
Ghana’s group stage included defending champions South Africa, dangerous Mali, and spirited Tanzania—a gauntlet through which they emerged with four points and the tournament’s best defensive record, conceding just twice.
With Alice Kusi pulling strings in midfield and Chantelle Boye injecting energy into every move, the Ghanaians look poised to upset the hosts.
It’s a contest of opposites: Morocco with the best attacking return (10 goals in four games), Ghana with the stingiest defense.
The atmosphere in Rabat will be electric, but Ghana’s resolve may be equal to the noise. “Playing the host nation is exciting, not pressure,” Kusi said with a grin.
South Africa vs Nigeria: Africa’s Heavyweight Rivalry Reignites
If ever a match deserved to be the final, it’s this. South Africa and Nigeria are two of the continent’s biggest names. Their rivalry is long defined by skill, grit, and championship pedigree. It resurfaces under the bright lights of Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
Nigeria have looked every inch like the team to beat. The Super Falcons breezed through the group stage with three wins, scoring four goals and conceding none.
Their quarterfinal against Zambia was a masterclass in dominance—a 5-0 victory that sent an ominous message to the rest of the field.
In their ranks, Nigeria boast some of the tournament’s standout performers.
Full-back Michelle Alozie’s overlapping runs have tormented defences, Rasheedat Ajibade has been a midfield engine, and Esther Okoronkwo leads the assist chart with three to her name.
Head coach Justine Madugu appears to have forged a unit that blends experience with cutting-edge.
But South Africa are not to be dismissed. The defending champions had a slower start, including a 1-1 group draw with Tanzania, but when it mattered most, they dug deep.
A goalless draw with Senegal in the quarterfinals led to a penalty shootout, where goalkeeper Andile Dlamini’s saves proved pivotal.
“There’s a fire, a collective memory,” said coach Desiree Ellis. “We know what this match means. We know what it takes to beat Nigeria.”
Indeed, the Banyana Banyana have done it before—most recently at WAFCON 2022, where they defeated Nigeria 2-1 en route to lifting the trophy.
With game-changers like Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hildah Magaia, and Lebogang Ramalepe, they have the tools to spring another surprise.
Statistically, Nigeria lead the pack: most goals scored (9), none conceded. But the margins in this rivalry are razor-thin, and Tuesday’s encounter could be decided by the smallest of details—or the boldest of plays.
A Tournament of Hope and Excellence
The final four are preparing for battle. The 2024 WAFCON has already written a compelling chapter in the story of African women’s football.
The Moroccans are chasing a maiden crown, driven by passionate support and renewed purpose. Ghana are fueled by redemption and resilience.
South Africans aim to make history with back-to-back titles. Nigeria is the most successful nation in the competition’s history. They want to reclaim their throne. Nigeria also wants to remind the continent of their pedigree.
Tuesday’s semifinals are more than matches—they are moments of reckoning, where legacies will be tested and futures forged.
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African women’s national teams are stepping up preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, with a packed April FIFA international window offering a crucial opportunity to assess strengths and refine tactics.
With the continental tournament just months away, teams across Africa are engaging in a mix of regional friendlies and intercontinental fixtures as part of the FIFA Series, aiming to build momentum and test combinations.
Clearly stated ambitions
From 10 April, Botswana will get proceedings underway against Saudi Arabia.
The following day, Tunisia face Benin in a fixture that should offer the Carthage Eagles an opportunity to explore new attacking options against an opponent known for their defensive discipline.
A day later, Morocco host Tanzania in one of the standout fixtures of the window. The Atlas Lionesses, who have enjoyed an impressive run in recent years, face a Tanzanian side eager to continue its upward trajectory.
On 14 April, attention turns to a series of high-profile encounters. South Africa meet Algeria in a clash of contrasting styles, with Banyana Banyana’s intensity and pace set against Algeria’s structured and technical approach.
Elsewhere, Egypt take on Saudi Arabia in a match that offers both sides a chance to strengthen their credentials on the international stage, while Benin face Comoros in what promises to be an open and competitive contest.
Adjustments and confirmations expected
The fixtures continue on 16 April, when Tunisia meet Comoros in another test of their readiness against an improving opponent.
On 17 April, South Africa and Algeria renew their rivalry in a second encounter, providing both teams with an opportunity to adapt tactically. Morocco also face Ghana in a high-profile meeting between two of the continent’s most competitive sides.
The series concludes on 19 April with a second meeting between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, offering further insights into both teams’ progress
FIFA Series: a global revealer
Beyond African match-ups, the FIFA Series 2026 has expanded the scope of preparations by pitting African teams against global opposition.
Ivory Coast set the tone with an emphatic 8-0 victory over Mauritania on 9 April, underlining their attacking strength.
On 11 April, Kenya host a mini-tournament in Nairobi featuring Australia, Malawi and India, while Zambia face a stern test against Canada in Brazil.
The following day sees DR Congo take on Indonesia in Thailand, while Mauritania face Pakistan and Ivory Coast meet Turks and Caicos in Abidjan.
Zambia continue their demanding schedule with matches against Brazil on 15 April and South Korea on 18 April, providing valuable experience against top-tier opposition.
A crucial testing ground
The April window represents a key phase in preparations, allowing coaches to experiment, assess squad depth and fine-tune strategies ahead of WAFCON 2026.
With competitive fixtures across continents, African teams are gaining vital exposure and experience — all with the aim of peaking when the continent’s biggest women’s football tournament begins later this year.
Friendly matches in April 2026:
April 10
Saudi Arabia 1–1 Botswana
Scorers: Seba Tawfiq (90+7) / Laone Moloi (28’)
April 12
Tunisia 1-0 Benin
Scorer : M. Houij (90′)
April 13
Senegal 1-0 Burkina Faso
Scorer : S. Ngaye Pene (2′)
Morocco 3-0 Tanzania
Scorers : S.Mssoudy (2′, 77′), Y.Mrabet (80′)
April 14
South Africa vs Algeria
Saudi Arabia vs Egypt
Benin vs Comoros
April 16
Tunisia vs Comoros
April 17
South Africa vs Algeria
Morocco vs Mali
April 19
Saudi Arabia vs Egypt
FIFA Series 2026:
April 9, 2026
Ivory Coast 8-0 Mauritania – Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Ebimpe
April 11, 2026
Australia 5-0 Malawi – Nairobi
Scorers : E. van Egmond (5″), S. Kerr (41″), A. Chidiac (60″), H. McNamara (86″), L. McKenna (90+4)
Kenya 2-0 India – Nairobi
Scorers: M. Emedot (2′) T. Obunya (55′)
Canada 4-0 Zambia – Brazil
Scorers :N. Prince (41′, 45+1), A. Chukwu (81′, 88′)
April 12, 2026
Indonesia 1-7 DR Congo – Thailand
Scorers: C. Scheunemann (7′) / M. Kajinga (23′, 59′), F. Mawete (29′, 74′), M. Kasaj (45+6) O. Massombo (52′), J. Feza (82′)
Mauritania 1-0 Pakistan – Abidjan
Scorer : R. Gengui (21′)
Turks and Caicos 1-15 Ivory Coast – Abidjan
Scorers : I. Moline (28′)/ A.Diallo (6′ 10′ 23′ 42′),P. Kreto (12′ 22′ 27′ 47′ 52′), R. Kouassi (32′), S.Kokora (45′), A. Koko (45+1), I. Konan (78′ 83′), A. Abrogoua (90+3)
April 15, 2026
Brazil vs Zambia – Brazil
India vs Malawi – Kenya (Third-place match – FIFA Series 2026 Kenya)
Kenya vs Australia – Kenya (Final – FIFA Series 2026 Kenya)
Thailand vs DR Congo –Thailand (Final – FIFA Series 2026 Thailand),
April 16, 2026
Ivory Coast vs Pakistan – Abidjan
Turks and Caicos vs Mauritania – Abidjan
April 18, 2026
South Korea vs Zambia – Brazil
-Cafonline
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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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