The second round of qualifiers is set to take place from 20 October to 28 October this year, marking the arrival of Africa’s top women’s football teams.
The first round of qualifiers for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 was held this year from 19 to 26 February during which Africa’s best teams fought for their places as participating teams demonstrated unwavering determination, providing top-level football action.
The first round was a rigorous process for the contestants. The opening home and away round of the qualifiers featured impressive performances from many teams. Algeria stood out with a commanding victory over South Sudan, winning 5-0 and 3-0, confirming their dominance.
Meanwhile, Mali, led by the talented Agueicha Diarra, inflicted a heavy defeat on Gabon (6-0, 4-1), showcasing undeniable offensive power. Togo secured an emphatic 5-0 win in the return leg against Djibouti, following an initial comfortable victory.
Kenya, with a solid defensive setup, eliminated Tunisia, securing a 0-0 draw in the first leg before clinching a 1-0 win in the return leg to qualify for the second round. Tanzania also booked their spot after a 3-1 home win and a 1-1 draw in Equatorial Guinea, inspired by their standout player Clara Luvanga. However, the biggest upset came from Ethiopia, who stunned Uganda by winning on penalties (5-4) after two thrilling 2-2 draws.
Accordingly, some other confirmed teams for the second round also solidified their places in the next phase of the competition, including The Gambia, DR Congo, Angola, Namibia, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, and Egypt. All displayed strength and determination, earning their qualifications through solid performances.
The Gambia advanced after a 2-0 first-leg win, followed by a 2-1 victory in the return leg against Niger. DR Congo took a decisive lead with a 2-0 home win against Botswana and secured qualification with a 0-0 draw in the return leg. Angola edged Zimbabwe (2-1) and confirmed their spot with a 2-2 draw in the second leg. Namibia clinched a crucial 1-0 win over Eswatini to progress. Burkina Faso dominated Burundi (4-1) after a 1-0 first-leg win. Cape Verde outclassed Guinea (4-1) to qualify. Egypt advanced with a 1-0 win in Rwanda and 2-2 draw in Cairo.
Cafonline described the winning teams being impressive with their tactics, commitment, and cohesion, setting the stage for intense and thrilling encounters in the second round.
Heavyweights like Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, Ghana, Zambia, and Cote d’Ivoire — regional champions and regulars in major continental tournaments — will enter the competition. The upcoming fixtures in this decisive round promise to deliver thrilling clashes, as these experienced teams battle for a spot in the final tournament in Morocco in 2026.
Fixtures for the second and final round of qualifiers: Angola vs Malawi; DR Congo vs South Africa; Tanzania vs Ethiopia; Namibia vs Zambia; Burkina Faso vs Togo; Algeria vs Cameroon; Egypt vs Ghana; Kenya vs Gambia; Benin vs Nigeria; Cape Verde vs Mali; Senegal vs Ivory Coast
On the other hand, the CAF headquarters in Cairo hosted a historic event: the draw for the group stages of the inaugural CAF Women’s Futsal Africa Cup of Nations. Scheduled for 22-30 April in Morocco, this first edition marks a major step forward in the development of women’s futsal on the continent. The nine teams involved now know the composition of their groups and the path that awaits them in their quest for the first continental title.
The draw has some mouthwatering fixtures, opposing teams with varied styles of play but all full of ambition. Host country Morocco has been drawn in Group A alongside Cameroon and Namibia. Pool B will feature Angola, Egypt and Guinea, while Group C contains Madagascar, Tanzania and Senegal.
With these fantastic matchups, the competition promises to be tough and will offer a captivating show. The selections now have a few weeks to fine-tune their preparation before entering the fray in this historic edition.
The two finalists of the competition will represent Africa at the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup which will take place from 21 November - 7 December 2025 in the Philippines.
South Africa are the current champions having won the latest 2022 edition.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 6 March, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
Short link: