Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
The road to WAFCON 2026 is complete, and the stage is set for another chapter in African women’s football history. Twelve nations have secured their places at the continental showpiece, which will run from 17 March to 3 April 2026 in Morocco.
The tournament welcomes two debutants — Malawi and Cape Verde — alongside heavyweights like Nigeria, the defending champions and record 10-time winners, and South Africa, the 2022 champions. Player release is set for 9 March 2026, allowing teams a week of final preparations before kickoff.
Nigeria: The Reigning and Record 10-Time Champions
The Super Falcons will arrive in Morocco as defending champions after clinching their 10th WAFCON title in 2024 — fittingly on Moroccan soil. The triumph reaffirmed Nigeria’s long-standing dominance, stretching their record to 10 trophies from 14 editions.
Coach Justin Madugu has forged a well-balanced side blending veterans and rising stars. Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Ashleigh Plumptre form a lethal core, supported by an increasingly confident midfield. Nigeria’s resilience, experience, and winning mentality make them favourites once again.
Yet, the rest of Africa has closed the gap. Rivals like Morocco, Zambia, and South Africa have evolved tactically and psychologically, and the margin for error is thinner than ever.
Morocco: A Host Nation on a Mission
For Morocco, this will be a third consecutive WAFCON appearance — and each of the last two ended in the final. After finishing runners-up in both 2022 and 2024, the Atlas Lionesses now believe the time has come to conquer Africa.
Under Jorge Vilda, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup-winning coach with Spain, Morocco have grown more structured and efficient. Their game blends European-style positional play with North African flair, embodied by stars Ghislaine Chabbak and Fatima Tagnout.
As hosts, Morocco will enjoy packed stadiums and national expectation. They’ve come close twice — this time, they want to complete the journey.
South Africa: Experience and Tactical Maturity
Champions in 2022, Banyana Banyana remain one of the continent’s most complete teams. Their late qualification win over DR Congo showed composure under pressure, with Thembi Kgatlana once again delivering in a decisive moment.
Under Desiree Ellis, South Africa’s tactical structure, creativity, and unity have become trademarks. With key players such as Hildah Magaia, Jermaine Seoposenwe, and Linda Motlhalo, they have both pace and precision.
Ellis’ side will seek to reclaim their title and avenge their 2024 final defeat to Nigeria. They are consistent contenders and still one of the best-organised sides in Africa.
Zambia: The Copper Queens’ Golden Generation
Zambia continue to shine as Africa’s most exciting attacking side. Their 7–2 aggregate win over Namibia in qualifying, featuring goals from Racheal Kundananji, Barbra Banda, and Prisca Chilufya, underlined their firepower.
Having finished third in 2022 and represented Africa at the Tokyo Olympics, Zambia have gathered experience and confidence. The combination of Banda’s physicality and Kundananji’s finishing makes them one of the continent’s deadliest teams.
Many believe this Copper Queens generation could finally push Nigeria and South Africa all the way — and even lift the trophy.
Ghana: The Black Queens Return with Purpose
After missing the 2022 edition, Ghana returned with style, demolishing Egypt 7–0 on aggregate. Doris Boaduwaa’s hat-trick in Accra showed that the Black Queens are back among the elite.
Under Swiss tactician Nora Hauptle, Ghana have rediscovered discipline and attacking flair. The mix of youthful energy and experienced leadership makes them a serious threat capable of shaking up the hierarchy.
Algeria: The Side That Broke Cameroon’s Heart
Marine Dafeur’s thunderous strike in Douala sent Algeria to their seventh WAFCON and ended Cameroon’s qualification dream. That moment defined a team built on structure, resilience, and belief.
Algeria’s defensive organisation and composure will serve them well in Morocco, and their familiarity with North African conditions could be an advantage. While not yet title contenders, they are dangerous spoilers capable of upsetting the big names.
Senegal: Steady Progress, Growing Confidence
Senegal’s qualification on penalties against Côte d’Ivoire reinforced their reputation as one of Africa’s most disciplined and tactically organised teams. Their development at both club and national level continues to bear fruit.
With greater exposure for their players in European leagues, Senegal’s next step will be reaching the semi-finals — a realistic goal for the Lionesses of Teranga in Morocco.
The Emerging Nations: Fresh Blood and New Dreams
Beyond the heavyweights, Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi, and Cape Verde represent the new wave of African women’s football.
Burkina Faso continue their steady rise with back-to-back qualifications, while Tanzania and Kenya bring organisation and ambition. Malawi, inspired by superstar Tabitha Chawinga, and Cape Verde, buoyed by their fearless 4–2 win away to Mali, will arrive as debutants with nothing to lose and everything to prove.
Their stories enrich the WAFCON narrative — from nations building their first professional leagues to players making continental history for the first time.
Four Nations, One Trophy
As WAFCON 2026 approaches, the field looks tighter than ever. Nigeria, Morocco, South Africa, and Zambia stand out as early title favourites, but Ghana and Senegal linger as potential spoilers.
Nigeria’s 2024 victory proved that experience and mentality still matter most in Africa. Yet, with Morocco’s evolution, Zambia’s firepower, and South Africa’s tactical quality, a new order could emerge.
The countdown begins — and when the first whistle blows in Casablanca next March, Africa will once again witness the beauty, rivalry, and rising power of the women’s game.
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