Cameroon return to knockout stage after impressive group campaign

Absent from the previous edition of the tournament, the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon made a strong comeback to the continental competition.

Cameroon secured qualification after victories over Mali (2-1) and Ghana (1-0), earning their place in the quarter-finals before the final group match. In their last group game, the Cameroonian side drew 1-1 against Cape Verde.

Cameroon will now face defending continental giants Nigeria on Sunday, 9 August.

The Super Falcons had a difficult start to the tournament after suffering a shock 3-2 defeat against Malawi in their opening match. However, Nigeria recovered to reach the knockout stage and remains one of the favourites for the title.

Malawi make history with first-ever WAFCON knockout qualification

One of the biggest surprises of the tournament has been Malawi’s historic qualification for the quarter-finals.

The team achieved a first-ever appearance in the knockout stage of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, creating one of the biggest stories of the competition.

Playing in front of their home supporters, Malawi will now look to continue their remarkable journey when they face Ghana in the quarter-finals.

Morocco chase first continental title against defending champions South Africa

Hosts Morocco continue their quest for a first-ever Women’s AFCON title on home soil.

The Atlas Lionesses impressed during the group stage and secured qualification, but their next challenge will be a major one against South Africa, the defending champions.

The Banyana Banyana had a difficult start to their campaign after suffering a surprise 2-1 defeat against Tanzania in their opening match. They bounced back with a 2-2 draw against Côte d’Ivoire before securing qualification with a narrow 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso.

Morocco will need to overcome a highly experienced South African side if they want to move closer to continental glory.

Ghana and Algeria secure qualification despite challenges

Ghana booked their place in the quarter-finals after a mixed group-stage campaign.

The Black Queens started with a convincing 2-0 victory over Cape Verde, before losing narrowly to Cameroon (0-1). They eventually secured qualification thanks to a 1-1 draw against Mali and a favourable goal difference.

Meanwhile, Algeria reached the knockout stage with two victories against Senegal and Kenya, despite suffering a defeat against hosts Morocco.

The Algerian team will face Côte d’Ivoire, who are making their return to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after missing the tournament since 2014.

Women’s AFCON 2026 quarter-final fixtures

Saturday, 8 August 2026

🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire vs Algeria
🇲🇦 Morocco vs South Africa

Sunday, 9 August 2026

🇨🇲 Cameroon vs Nigeria
🇲🇼 Malawi vs Ghana

A decisive stage begins for Africa’s World Cup hopefuls

The quarter-finals of the Women’s AFCON 2026 mark the beginning of the decisive phase of the tournament. Beyond the race for the continental crown, the four teams that reach the semi-finals will secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

With traditional powerhouses, ambitious hosts and historic newcomers still in contention, the final stages of the tournament promise to deliver some of the most exciting moments in African women’s football.