Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
The full cast for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has now been confirmed, with twelve nations booking their places for the continental showpiece to be hosted by Morocco from 17 March to 3 April 2026.
The tournament will feature two debutants — Malawi and Cape Verde — while heavyweights Nigeria and South Africa return as reigning and former champions respectively. Player release is scheduled for 9 March 2026, giving teams a week to prepare before kick-off.
The qualifiers were rich in drama, from Marine Dafeur’s thunderbolt that broke Cameroon’s Lionesses’ back to Faith Chinzimu’s late double that wrote Malawi into history. Below is how each of the 12 teams earned their ticket — and what to expect in Morocco.
Morocco (Hosts – 5th Appearance)
Morocco will be competing at their third consecutive WAFCON, and the Atlas Lionesses have been among the most consistent performers in recent years, reaching the finals in both 2022 and 2024. Now coached by Jorge Vilda, the former Spain boss who led his country to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup title, Morocco’s ambitions are clear — they want to win their first African crown on home soil.
Led by Ghislaine Chabbak and the experienced Fatima Tagnout, the hosts have combined European tactical structure with North African flair. Their fans will expect nothing less than another deep run, and anything short of a final appearance would be considered a disappointment.
Algeria (7th Appearance)
Algeria stunned the continent with their 1–0 victory away to Cameroon, sealing a 3–1 aggregate win and dumping the Lionesses out of WAFCON qualification. Marine Dafeur’s crisp 22nd-minute strike was the decisive blow — a moment that “broke Cameroon’s back” and ended their hopes of returning to the top table.
This qualification marks a major step forward for Algeria, who showed strong defensive organisation and composure under pressure. With a blend of experience and young pace, the Algerians will arrive in Morocco looking to make an impression beyond the group stage.
Burkina Faso (2nd Appearance)
The Stallions of Burkina Faso sealed their second consecutive WAFCON qualification with a professional 3–0 aggregate win over Togo. Adama Congo’s first-half strike in Lomé confirmed their passage, capping a campaign built on defensive solidity and teamwork.
Having made their debut at the previous edition, Burkina Faso are gradually establishing themselves as a steady presence in the women’s game. Their target in Morocco will be to go a step further and reach the knockout rounds for the first time.
Cape Verde (Debutants)
History was written in Bamako as Cape Verde defeated Mali 4–2 away from home to win 4–3 on aggregate and qualify for their first-ever WAFCON. A stunning first-half blitz saw Larissa Melo, Ivânia Moreira, and Eleia Vieira score within ten minutes before Evy Pereira added a fourth.
Their fearless, attacking style turned heads across the continent and proved that Cape Verde are no mere participants. They will go to Morocco as one of Africa’s most exciting debutants, capable of troubling even seasoned opponents.
Ghana (12th Appearance)
The Black Queens stormed back onto the continental stage after missing the 2022 edition, dismantling Egypt 4–0 in Accra to seal a commanding 7–0 aggregate victory. Doris Boaduwaa stole the show with a second-half hat-trick, while Comfort Yeboah was also on target.
With their goal-scoring power restored and new energy injected into the side, Ghana will enter WAFCON 2026 as genuine contenders. Their objective will be clear — reclaim their lost glory and challenge Nigeria and South Africa for the title.
Kenya (2nd Appearance)
Kenya’s Harambee Starlets showed composure and tactical maturity as they edged The Gambia 1–0 away to complete a 4–1 aggregate win. Mwanahalima Adam Jereko scored the lone goal that sealed their qualification.
After years of instability and off-field challenges, Kenya’s return to WAFCON marks a new beginning. Their solid defensive structure and speed on the break could make them a tricky opponent in Morocco.
Malawi (Debutants)
The Scorchers of Malawi are heading to their maiden WAFCON after a thrilling 2–0 win over Angola in Blantyre. Faith Chinzimu was the hero, scoring twice in two minutes to send the home crowd into ecstasy. Angola had earlier missed a penalty that might have changed the story, but Malawi’s resilience saw them through.
With Tabitha Chawinga, one of Africa’s top forwards, expected to lead the line, Malawi’s presence will add an exciting new chapter to the continent’s women’s football narrative.
Nigeria (Reigning Champions – 14th Appearance)
The Super Falcons, ten-time African champions, will defend their crown in Morocco after a comfortable qualification campaign. They drew 1–1 with Benin in Abuja to secure a 3–1 aggregate victory. Ashleigh Plumptre’s early header gave Nigeria control before Yasmine Djibril equalised with a fine free-kick.
Boasting a squad packed with global stars including Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Plumptre, Nigeria remain the team to beat. Their quest for a record-extending 10th continental title begins again next March.
Senegal (4th Appearance)
Senegal’s qualification came via nerve-shredding drama. After a goalless two-legged tie with Côte d’Ivoire, the Lionesses of Teranga held their nerve to win 5–4 on penalties. It was a display of tactical patience and mental strength from a side that continues to grow in stature.
With a well-organised system and several players now featuring in Europe, Senegal will look to build on their 2022 quarter-final appearance.
South Africa (14th Appearance)
The Banyana Banyana, champions in 2022, left it late to beat DR Congo 1–0 in Pretoria and advance 2–1 on aggregate. Thembi Kgatlana’s stoppage-time strike calmed nerves and underlined South Africa’s experience in big moments.
Coach Desiree Ellis has maintained the team’s competitive edge, and with stars like Hildah Magaia and Thembi Kgatlana in fine form, South Africa will once again challenge strongly for the trophy they surrendered to Nigeria in 2024.
Tanzania (3rd Appearance)
Tanzania’s Twiga Stars produced one of their most disciplined performances in recent memory, beating Ethiopia 1–0 in Addis Ababa to seal a 3–0 aggregate win. Diana Lucas scored the decisive goal early in the first half, and the visitors’ defence held firm to the end.
This marks Tanzania’s third WAFCON appearance, and the focus this time will be to advance past the group stage — a realistic target for a well-balanced side.
Zambia (5th Appearance)
Zambia were in ruthless form as they swept aside Namibia 3–0 in Lusaka, completing a 7–2 aggregate win. Racheal Kundananji, fresh from her first-leg hat-trick, opened the scoring before Eneless Phiri and Prisca Chilufya sealed an emphatic victory.
With Barbra Banda and Kundananji leading the attack, the Copper Queens are one of the most dangerous teams heading into Morocco 2026. Their pace, pressing, and power make them genuine title contenders.
Final 12 Teams for WAFCON 2026
Morocco (Hosts) ,Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ghana, Kenya,Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal,South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia
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