Algeria will head into the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) looking to build on the momentum of their historic breakthrough at the last edition, when they reached the knockout stage for the first time in the competition’s history.

The North Africans are set for their seventh appearance at the continental finals and only the second time they have qualified for successive editions, having previously achieved the feat in 2004 and 2006.

After years of frustration that saw them exit at the group stage in each of their first five appearances, Algeria finally made history at the 2024 tournament by advancing to the quarter-finals before bowing out to Ghana in a penalty shootout.

That impressive campaign was built on defensive solidity. Algeria completed the tournament without conceding a single goal, recording four clean sheets before their elimination on penalties. They have now gone 416 minutes at the WAFCON finals without letting in a goal, with the last goal they conceded coming in a 3-2 defeat to Mali in their final group match of the 2018 tournament.

However, while their defence has become one of the strongest on the continent, goals have proved much harder to come by.

Algeria have scored only once in their last four WAFCON matches, with Gohutia Kharchouni’s 10th-minute strike in the 1-0 victory over Botswana in their opening game of the 2024 edition remaining their most recent goal at the finals.

Since then, the Desert Foxes have failed to score in three consecutive matches, all of which ended in goalless draws. They have now gone 381 minutes without finding the net in WAFCON competition.

Despite that attacking drought, the team remains difficult to beat. They progressed through the group stage unbeaten for the first time at the last tournament, underlining the progress made under head coach Farid Benstiti.

Algeria’s opening-match record at the finals has been mixed. In six previous opening fixtures, they have recorded two victories and four defeats, with none ending in a draw.

They suffered heavy defeats to Nigeria (4-0) in 2004 and South Africa (4-0) in 2006 before losing 2-1 to Ghana in 2010. Their fortunes improved in 2014 with a 1-0 victory over Ghana, a feat they repeated at the 2024 finals by defeating Botswana by the same scoreline.

Overall, Algeria have won just three of their 19 WAFCON matches, drawing four and losing 12. Their victories came against Mali (3-0) in 2004, Ghana (1-0) in 2014 and Botswana (1-0) in 2024.

The North Africans booked their place at the 2026 finals in convincing fashion. They crushed South Sudan 8-0 on aggregate in the first qualifying round before overcoming Cameroon 3-1 over two legs to secure qualification.

Kharchouni, who scored Algeria’s only goal at the last finals, was also their leading scorer during the qualifying campaign with four goals.

Benstiti, meanwhile, returns for his second WAFCON tournament after becoming the first coach to guide Algeria beyond the group stage. He will now be hoping to take the team another step further as they seek to establish themselves among the continent’s leading women’s football nations.

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As anticipation builds ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026, history is set to be written in golden letters.

From the pursuit of longevity for icons like Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné, the Nigerians’ unquenchable hunger for titles and efficiency records fuelled by the exciting expansion to 16 nations, here is an overview of the legendary records that could be shattered during this historic 14^th edition.

Record Participation

Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné – 8 WAFCONs

The Larbi Zaouli Stadium will host a major event this Wednesday, July 29, with the match between Cameroon and Mali. Beyond the search for three points, the spotlight will be on the captain of the Indomitable Lionesses – Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné. If she steps onto the pitch, the Cameroonian international will write African Football history by participating in her eighth WAFCON finals – surpassing Nigeria’s Ebi Onome and her seven appearances.

Most decorated players

Francisca Ordega & Osinachi Ohale

Already holding the record for most titles with five, Nigerians Francisca Ordega and Osinachi Ohale (pictured) are aiming for a sixth with the Super Falcons. Perennial winners and overall leaders, the duo have been consistent over the years and shown why their longevity is an inspiration for many a footballer on the African continent.

Fastest goal

Mariem Houij – 17 seconds (WAFCON 2022)

It took Tunisian Mariem Houij just 17 seconds to etch her name in the WAFCON history books. A lightning-fast sprint followed by a clean strike and the ball in the back of the net against Togo in the 2022 edition is fresh in the memory of many.
This moment of brilliance marked the fastest goal in the competition’s history. With the 2026 edition promising to be thrilling, the 413 players involved will have only one thing on their minds – to find the back of the net even faster and dethrone this legendary record.

Record for most goals scored by a player in a single edition

Perpetua Nkwocha – 11 goals (WAFCON 2010)

If there is one peak achievement that seems invincible in the history of African Football, it is undoubtedly the one reached by Perpetua Nkwocha at the WAFCON 2010. Carrying Nigeria single-handedly to the African title, the legendary Super Falcons striker tormented opposing defences by scoring an astonishing 11 goals in a single tournament.
Fueled by two memorable hat-tricks (against Mali in the group stages and in the semifinal against Cameroon), Nkwocha set an all-time high mark that remains the ultimate standard for goal-scoring efficiency on the continent – 16 years later!

Overall Goals Scored in the Tournament
66 Goals – Women’s AFCON 2024

From a collective standpoint, the Morocco 2024 edition reached unprecedented heights of attacking efficiency. With an unprecedented total of 66 goals scored throughout the competition, the tournament showcased a constant spectacle and impressive clinical finishing. This absolute record in the history of the WAFCON is testament to the tactical and technical leap forward of an entire continent.
However, this benchmark is likely to be quickly erased from the record books with the tournament’s historic expansion to 16 nations for the 2026 edition; the increased number of matches provides the perfect opportunity to see this glass ceiling shattered and a new goalscoring record established.

-CAF

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By Kunle Solaja, Lagos

Nigeria’s record-chasing Super Falcons will literally carry their glorious African history on their shirts when they begin another quest for continental supremacy at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The defending champions have unveiled a striking new jersey featuring 10 stars around the team’s badge, each representing one of Nigeria’s record 10 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations triumphs.

It is a glittering reminder of a dynasty without equal in African football.

The Amstel Malta-backed Super Falcons gave the special jersey its first outing on Thursday, wearing it during their 2-1 international friendly victory over Tanzania’s Twiga Stars as preparations for the continental championship gathered momentum.

For Nigeria, however, the stars are far more than decorative additions to the famous green shirt. They are badges of conquest — symbols of decades of dominance in a competition the Super Falcons have made almost their own.

From the pioneering champions of the early years to the latest generation that delivered Nigeria’s landmark 10th crown, each star tells a chapter of an extraordinary continental story.

And already, there is room in the imagination for another.

Head coach Justine Madugu and his players will arrive at the 2026 WAFCON with one unmistakable mission: win an unprecedented 11th African title and add another star to the constellation.

Nigeria stand comfortably as the most successful nation in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and the new jersey provides a vivid visual representation of that supremacy.

The 10 stars also give the Super Falcons a rare distinction. Few national teams anywhere can parade such an imposing collection of championship symbols from a single major continental competition.

But past glory will offer no guarantees in Morocco.

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on Saturday, with Africa’s leading women’s teams gathering for another battle for continental honours.

Nigeria will begin the defence of their crown on Tuesday against tournament debutants Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

For Malawi, it will be a first taste of WAFCON football.

For the Super Falcons, it is familiar territory — another tournament, another title defence and another opportunity to enlarge an already extraordinary collection.

Ten stars are already shining on the shirt.

Now comes the quest for Star No. 11.

And there could hardly be a more fitting number in football. Eleven players make up a starting team, and Nigeria will be hoping that when the final whistle sounds on Morocco 2026, their famous shirt will have earned the right to carry an 11th star — one for every player who takes the field at kick-off.

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