Zambia will be looking to maintain their impressive record against North African opposition when they take on Egypt for the first time in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Tuesday at the Rabat Olympic Stadium.

The Group C encounter marks the first-ever WAFCON meeting between the two nations, with Zambia entering the contest as clear favourites based on recent tournament performances.

The Copper Queens are unbeaten in their previous two WAFCON matches against North African teams, having defeated Tunisia 1-0 in 2022 before sharing a thrilling 2-2 draw with tournament hosts Morocco in their opening match at the last edition.

That memorable clash against Morocco saw captain Barbra Banda score after just 58 seconds—the second-fastest goal in WAFCON history—before Racheal Kundananji also found the net in a match that ended level after Ghizlane Chebbak’s late equaliser.

Zambia arrive in Morocco for their fifth WAFCON appearance and fourth successive finals, buoyed by an impressive record that has seen them lose just one of their last 10 group-stage matches. They are unbeaten in their last seven group games, recording four wins and three draws.

Having finished third in 2022 to secure a historic FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification before reaching the quarter-finals at the last edition, the Copper Queens have firmly established themselves among the continent’s leading sides.

Much of Zambia’s attacking threat will once again rest on the shoulders of Kundananji, the country’s all-time leading WAFCON scorer with six goals. The prolific forward was instrumental during the qualifiers, scoring four goals in a 7-2 aggregate victory over Namibia, including a hat-trick in the first leg.

Swiss coach Nora Häuptle, who guided Zambia to the quarter-finals at the previous tournament, will oversee the team for a second consecutive WAFCON campaign.

For Egypt, the tournament marks a welcome return after a decade away from Africa’s premier women’s football competition.

The Pharaohs are making only their third appearance, having previously featured in 1998 and 2016, with both campaigns ending at the group stage.

Egypt have never progressed beyond the opening round and have lost their opening fixture in each of their previous appearances, falling 4-1 to DR Congo in 1998 and 2-0 to Cameroon in 2016.

Their only WAFCON victory came in 2016 when Salma Tarik scored a late winner in a 1-0 triumph over Zimbabwe, while their other meeting with Southern African opposition ended in a heavy 5-0 defeat to South Africa.

Coached by Mohamed Kamal, one of Egypt’s most accomplished women’s football tacticians, the North Africans will be hoping to make a stronger impression this time around. Kamal boasts an outstanding domestic record, having won 14 Egyptian Women’s Premier League titles and seven Egyptian Women’s Cup crowns with Wadi Degla.

Tuesday’s clash presents Zambia with an opportunity to reinforce their growing reputation as one of Africa’s emerging powerhouses, while Egypt will be eager to end their long WAFCON absence with a positive result against one of the tournament’s most formidable teams.

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As the Super Falcons begin their quest for a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, Amstel Malta has launched a nationwide “Be Your Best” campaign to rally Nigerians behind Africa’s most successful women’s football team.

The initiative, which goes beyond conventional sponsorship, is designed as a rallying call celebrating excellence, resilience and national pride as the Super Falcons embark on another mission for continental glory at WAFCON Morocco 2026.

Through the campaign, Amstel Malta is encouraging Nigerians not only to support the national team but also to embrace the values represented by the Super Falcons by striving for excellence in their own endeavours.

The campaign reflects the brand’s belief that every major achievement begins with giving one’s best, while seeking to turn each Super Falcons match into a shared national experience.

Nigeria will begin their campaign against Malawi on July 28 at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat before facing Zambia at the same venue on August 1.

The Super Falcons will conclude their group-stage programme against Egypt at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on August 5. All three matches are scheduled to kick off at 9 p.m. WAT.

Amstel Malta will also use the tournament to bring supporters closer to the action through a series of nationwide engagements across major digital platforms.

Fans will have opportunities to participate in Predict and Win promotions, interactive digital challenges, fan engagement activities, on-ground experiences and giveaways throughout Nigeria’s campaign.

Senior Brand Manager, Amstel Malta, Francis Obiajulu, said the company was proud to stand behind the Super Falcons as they attempt to add another chapter to their remarkable continental history.

“‘Be Your Best’ is more than a campaign; it is a celebration of excellence,” Obiajulu said.

“The Super Falcons continue to inspire Nigerians with their courage, determination and winning spirit. As they pursue a historic 11th WAFCON title, Amstel Malta is proudly backing them all the way.

“Through our Predict and Win promotions and other exciting fan experiences, we want every Nigerian to be part of the journey and celebrate every success together.”

Obiajulu added that the campaign is intended to create memorable experiences for football followers while strengthening the connection between Amstel Malta and consumers through their shared passion for the Super Falcons.

Excitement is already building around the Nigerian team, whose dominance of African women’s football has made them the continent’s most decorated national side.

Amstel Malta’s latest initiative also continues the tradition of Nigerian Breweries brands supporting Nigeria’s national teams at major international competitions.

With another continental campaign beginning, the message from the brand to the Super Falcons and millions of Nigerians following their journey is simple: Be Your Best.

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Cup-holders Nigeria begin the defence of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown on Tuesday night when they face tournament debutants Malawi at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat.

The Super Falcons, record 10-time African champions, head into the Group B encounter as overwhelming favourites, but head coach Justine Madugu has warned his players against underestimating the Scorchers and their dangerous Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa.

Nigeria captured a record-extending 10th continental title last year after producing a remarkable comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in a memorable final.

Now the Falcons are back in Morocco seeking an unprecedented 11th crown, but there are already signs that their latest title defence could be fiercely contested.

Morocco, runners-up at the past two editions, fired an early warning on Sunday when they swept aside Kenya 4-0 in their opening match.

For Nigeria, Tuesday’s encounter represents a meeting between established authority and emerging ambition.

While the Super Falcons are the most successful team in African women’s football, Malawi will be stepping onto the WAFCON finals stage for the first time.

Yet the Scorchers possess two of the continent’s most dangerous attacking players in sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, both capable of changing the course of a match in an instant.

Malawi, coached by Lovemore Fazili, have tested themselves against some of Africa’s stronger sides in preparation for their historic appearance.

They have suffered friendly defeats against Morocco and Ghana over the past 13 months but also held highly-rated Zambia and comfortably overcame Angola in their final qualifying tie.

Fazili can also call on defenders Ireen Khumalo, Olivia Phikani and Benadetta Mkandawire, midfielders Rose Kadzere, Letticia Chinyamula and Faith Chinzimu, as well as forwards Vanessa Chikupira and Deborah Henry.

Madugu, who masterminded Nigeria’s successful “Mission X” campaign last year, insists there will be no complacency from the champions.

“We have huge respect for all our opponents,” Madugu said at Monday’s pre-match press conference in Rabat.

“Every team that qualifies for this tournament deserves commendation and a lot of respect. Yes, they are debutants, but they are a very good side. We don’t take anything for granted.

“Everybody is coming here with a purpose and a mission, so you don’t undermine or underestimate what anybody can do.

“We are here for the defence of the WAFCON trophy and the team is fully ready and set to go. We will stick to our game plan and our mission.”

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade is expected to lead a formidable Nigerian side that could feature goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Rofiat Imuran and Tosin Demehin, and midfielders Deborah Abiodun and Halimatu Ayinde.

Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo and six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala are among Nigeria’s attacking options.

The depth available to Madugu is equally imposing.

Comfort Erhabor, Christy Ucheibe, Glory Ogbonna, Sikiratu Isa, Shukurat Oladipo, Toni Payne, Jennifer Echegini, Gift Monday, Omorinsola Babajide and Folashade Ijamilusi are among the players available to make an impact should they start from the bench.

For Malawi, the occasion represents history. For Nigeria, it is the beginning of another mission to defend their position at the summit of African women’s football.

The Super Falcons have conquered Africa 10 times. On Tuesday night in Rabat, the journey towards Mission XI begins.

Kick-off is 9 pm in Morocco and Nigeria.

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