The 2026 Women’s AFCON now enters the knockout stage. This weekend, Aug. 8 and 9, the eight remaining teams will battle for a place in the semifinals.
The first edition of the tournament to feature 16 teams delivered on its promise, with expected contenders living up to expectations, surprise performances and early disappointments. While several favorites advanced as expected, others stole the spotlight—notably Malawi, making its tournament debut and securing a historic place in the quarterfinals.
Group A
The Atlas Lionesses booked their place in the knockout stage with victories over Kenya (4-0) in the opening match and Algeria (1-0) on Matchday 2 before being held to a goalless draw by Senegal in their final group game, despite dominating proceedings.
Jorge Vilda’s side, runners-up in the previous two editions—both also hosted by Morocco—finished top of the group with seven points. They will face defending champions South Africa in the quarterfinals on Saturday, Aug. 8, in Rabat.
Algeria also advanced from Group A after recording two wins and one defeat, which came against Morocco. Senegal and Kenya were eliminated. Senegal finished with four points, while Kenya exited the tournament without collecting a single point.
Read also : WAFCON 2026: Morocco top group A after Senegal draw, advance to quarterfinals
Group B
Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa secured the two quarterfinal spots from Group B.
The Ivorians finished top with seven points after two wins and a draw. They will take on Algeria on Saturday at 6 p.m. for a place in the semifinals.
South Africa, the reigning champions after lifting the trophy in 2022, advanced with one win, one draw and one defeat (four points). Banyana Banyana will meet the Atlas Lionesses in a rematch of the 2022 final, this time with a semifinal berth at stake.
Burkina Faso and Tanzania, both on three points, were eliminated.
Atlas Lionesses.. DR
Group C
In a group where defending champions Nigeria were widely expected to dominate, Malawi produced the tournament’s biggest surprise.
Making its first-ever appearance at the Women’s AFCON, the Scorchers topped the group on goal difference ahead of the Super Falcons.
With six points, Malawi has reached the quarterfinals for the first time in its history and will face Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday at 9 p.m.
Nigeria also qualified with six points and will meet Cameroon on Sunday, Aug. 9, for a place in the semifinals.
Read also : Atlas Lionesses react after reaching WAFCON quarterfinals
Zambia, despite also finishing on six points, was eliminated because of an inferior goal difference. Egypt, meanwhile, exited the tournament without earning a single point.
Group D
Cameroon finished top of Group D with seven points after drawing 1-1 with Cape Verde, while Ghana secured second place with four points thanks to its 1-1 draw against Mali.
Mali and Cape Verde were both eliminated in the group stage.
Cameroon will face Nigeria on Sunday, Aug. 9, while Ghana will take on Malawi later the same day for a place in the semifinals.
The four semifinalists will automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Teams eliminated in the quarterfinals will instead have to compete in intercontinental playoffs for a chance to secure a place at the tournament in Brazil.
