WAFCON
Not just a football match, it’s a battle of songs as Zambia and DR Congo electrify WAFCON Arena with songs
On a warm and electric night at the El Bachir Stadium, football took on a deeper, richer meaning than goals and results on Saturday night.
In the final group-stage game of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024, the Copper Queens of Zambia edged the Leopardesses of the Democratic Republic of Congo 1–0, but the real winner was the spirit of African football—fired by passion, unity, and a stadium alive with sound.
The match was decided by a moment of world-class brilliance—Racheal Kundananji’s thunderous ninth-minute strike—but its legacy will be defined by the atmosphere that wrapped it: two sets of fans in vibrant communion, two cultures singing, dancing, and drumming in celebration of the game.
A Flash of Brilliance
It took just nine minutes for Zambia to ignite the contest. From a direct free kick, Kundananji—known affectionately as “Kunda” among her fans—unleashed a fearsome shot that left DR Congo goalkeeper Ruth Kashala with no chance. A blur of motion, a bolt of energy, and Zambia were ahead.
Kundananji explodes into joy after scoring.
“It’s a goal she knows how to score,” said Zambia coach Nora Häuptle after the match. “She only needs half a second. I’m proud of how she carries this team—with simplicity, with power, and with heart.”
Zambians explode with songs at the spectators’ stands
As the net rippled, the Zambian end of the stadium exploded into colour and noise. Flags flew, vuvuzelas screamed, and chants erupted: “Chipolopolo! Chipolopolo! Zambia ni moto moto!” (Zambia is fire, fire!) The stands vibrated with life, a living wave of green and orange pride.
Congo Responds — With Music and Spirit
But if Zambia scored on the pitch, the DR Congo fans answered in the stands. Draped in red, blue, and yellow, they matched their opponents beat for beat—with chants in Lingala – a Bantu language spoken in the northwest of the country – pounding drums, and booming calls of “Fimbo na fimbo!” (Blow for blow!) and “Congo na biso, tokolinga yo seko!” (Our Congo, we’ll love you forever!)
The Congolese continue to sing and cheering their players despite the team being a goal down.
The match became a mirror of the stands: intense, defiant, unyielding. On the pitch, Naomie Kaba Kaba powered forward and Merveille Kanjinga orchestrated attacks, but Zambia’s defence—anchored by goalkeeper Petronella Musole—refused to buckle.
The Leopardesses held more possession by the end of the first half, but couldn’t translate dominance into goals.
Tension and Togetherness
After the break, the contest grew more physical, more tactical. Kundananji, having done the damage early, dropped deeper to help relieve pressure.
Midfielders Ireen Lungu and Racheal Nachula closed down space, cutting off DR Congo’s passing lanes.
But still the Congolese women pushed forward, urged on by their drumbeat and the enduring cry of “Tokolanda yo Congo!” (We’ll follow you, Congo!).
The closest they came was in the 68th minute, when Olga Massombo’s long-range effort forced a brilliant save from Musole. The entire Congolese bench leapt to their feet—but still, the goal wouldn’t come.
“We Were United”: Coaches Reflect
At the final whistle, Nora Häuptle could afford a smile. Her team had done just enough to progress.
“What I liked was the discipline. We knew DR Congo would push, but we defended as a unit. Rachael was decisive, but everyone stood firm. And the fans… it felt like we were playing in Lusaka.”
The usually reserved Swiss coach couldn’t hide her admiration for the night’s spirit. “I’ve never seen this kind of atmosphere at El Bachir.
Fans responding to each other with rhythm, with dignity, with joy… This is what WAFCON is about. We are proud to be part of it.”
On the other side, DR Congo coach Hervé Happy offered praise tinged with regret. “It’s a match we shouldn’t have lost. We gave away an early goal and chased the rest of the game. But I saw bravery, unity, and belief. The crowd carried us. I heard songs I haven’t heard since Kinshasa. That’s Congo. Even in loss, we celebrate. We will come back stronger.”
A Night to Remember
When the final whistle blew, the match may have ended, but the celebration had just begun. Supporters from both nations lingered. They sang together. They danced. They swapped shirts and selfies with players. Mixed circles of Congolese and Zambians formed around the stadium, united not by result, but by experience.
“I saw the Africa I love tonight,” said Joëlle, a Congolese student based in Casablanca. “Sisters, brothers, songs and football. It wasn’t just a match. It was a memory.”
As the floodlights dimmed on El Bachir, the voices of Zambia and Congo continued to echo. It had taken only one goal to decide the game. But in the stands, in the hearts, and in the memories—it was a night of victory for everyone.
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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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