The race to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) reaches fever pitch this week as the continent’s finest battle in the second round of qualifiers, with high-stakes fixtures spread across Africa.
From Johannesburg to Kinshasa, Accra to Cotonou, national pride, history, and dreams of Morocco 2026 qualification are all on the line.
Banyana Banyana Face a Fierce Test in Kinshasa
A blockbuster tie headlines the round as South Africa’s Banyana Banyana face the DR Congo Leopards Women. The defending African champions travel to Kinshasa on October 22 before hosting the return leg in South Africa on October 28.
Desiree Ellis’ side, fresh from a strong Olympic qualifying campaign, will need to be at their sharpest to fend off a motivated Congolese outfit hungry for a statement result.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons Eye Another Step Toward Morocco
Eleven-time champions Nigeria will also be in action as they take on Benin’s Cheetah Ladies. The Super Falcons remain overwhelming favourites, but Benin—buoyed by their men’s team’s recent exploits—will be eager to make history of their own.
Both sides meet in Cotonou on October 24, before Nigeria hosts the return leg on October 28 in Abuja.
Black Queens vs. Pharaoh Queens: Ghana Seek Redemption
After the men’s team’s disappointment in Uyo, Ghana’s Black Queens are determined to lift spirits as they face Egypt in another mouth-watering tie.
The first leg kicks off in Cairo on October 23, with the return in Accra five days later. A spot at Morocco 2026 would mark a significant milestone in Ghana’s women’s football revival.
Underdogs with Big Dreams
Elsewhere, Togo’s Sparrowhawks Women will look to repeat their 2022 heroics when they face Burkina Faso, while Zambia’s Copper Queens travel to Namibia for a tricky first leg.
Tanzania, Ethiopia, Senegal, Mali, Kenya, and Gambia also enter the fray, each aiming to stake their claim in the final qualification round.
Full Second-Round Fixture Schedule
First Legs
🗓 October 22
- 13:00 — Namibia vs Zambia
- 14:00 — Tanzania vs Ethiopia
- 16:00 — DRC vs South Africa
🗓 October 23
- 15:00 — Angola vs Malawi
- 16:00 — Egypt vs Ghana
- 18:00 — Algeria vs Cameroon
🗓 October 24
- 14:00 — Benin vs Nigeria
- 15:00 — Kenya vs Gambia
- 16:00 — Burkina Faso vs Togo
- 16:00 — Cape Verde vs Mali
- 17:00 — Senegal vs Ivory Coast
Return Legs
🗓 October 26–28
- Zambia vs Namibia — Oct 26, 13:00
- Ethiopia vs Tanzania — Oct 28, 12:00
- Malawi vs Angola — Oct 28, 13:00
- Nigeria vs Benin — Oct 28, 13:00
- Ghana vs Egypt — Oct 28, 15:30
- Cameroon vs Algeria — Oct 28, 15:30
- Togo vs Burkina Faso — Oct 28, 16:00
- Gambia vs Kenya — Oct 28, 16:00
- Mali vs Cape Verde — Oct 28, 17:00
- South Africa vs DRC — Oct 28, 17:00
- Ivory Coast vs Senegal — Oct 28, 19:00
Road to Morocco Snapshot
- 🏆 Tournament: 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
- 📍 Host Nation: Morocco
- ⚽ Teams Remaining: 22
- 🎟 Qualification Spots: 11 (plus host nation Morocco)
- 🔥 Key Clashes: DRC vs South Africa, Ghana vs Egypt, Nigeria vs Benin
Africa’s road to WAFCON 2026 promises intensity, passion, and the continued rise of women’s football on the continent — where every goal now carries the weight of a nation’s dream.