Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026: Quarterfinal Preview and Group Stage Review

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 is set to enter the quarterfinals this weekend, prompting a look back at the group stage: who remains hopeful, where teams struggled, and who has been eliminated?

With the tournament heating up, the upcoming matches promise to deliver excitement as teams vie for a spot in the semifinals, which will lead to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Below is a breakdown of the quarterfinal matchups and a few reflections on the performances of eliminated teams and standout players.

Quarterfinal Matchups

Morocco – South Africa

Morocco, the host nation, has shown impressive form, being the only team yet to concede a goal. However, they missed out on a perfect record of three wins in their last group match, finishing with a 0-0 draw against Senegal, despite dominating the game with a remarkable expected goals (xG) of 4.41. Senegal's goalkeeper, Adji Ndiaye, was exceptional, thwarting every Moroccan attempt.

The key question for Morocco will be who starts in the midfield against South Africa. The young talent Kautar Azraf from FC Barcelona B shone in the first two group matches, while Ghizlane Chebbak returned to the lineup for the match against Senegal, aiming to prove her worth.

Coaching Challenges

There are ongoing discussions about coach Jorge Vilda's ability to manage the team effectively, especially in light of past controversies. Morocco has developed significantly since last year’s tournament, displaying improved ball movement and tactical awareness, although they still need to enhance their finishing.

South Africa Struggles

In contrast, South Africa has faced challenges, narrowly escaping elimination after a shaky start that included a loss to Tanzania and a public spat involving player Bambanani Mbane. Their performance has been inconsistent, with a last-minute draw against Côte d’Ivoire and a narrow win against Burkina Faso. Currently, they appear as the underdogs against Morocco, relying on standout performances from players like goalkeeper Swart and forward Kgatlana.

Algeria – Côte d’Ivoire

Algeria's style is pragmatic, frustrating opponents rather than dazzling them. They conceded only one goal in the group stage, which came late against Morocco. Their victories over Kenya and Senegal showcased their defensive solidity, with goalkeeper Chloé N’Gazi emerging as a standout performer.

Côte d’Ivoire: Rising Star N’sira Safi Ouédraogo

Côte d’Ivoire enters the quarterfinals in strong form, having accumulated seven points in the group stage. Captain Bernadette Amani has provided stability in midfield, while emerging talents like N’sira Safi Ouédraogo have shone brightly, contributing significantly with goals and assists. Their recent performance against South Africa, where they squandered a 2-0 lead, raises questions about their consistency.

Cameroon – Nigeria

Cameroon secured their quarterfinal spot early, but their form remains difficult to gauge. Coach Valentine Nguele has had limited time to prepare, leading to mixed performances. They will need to rely on key player Marie Ngah, who has scored three of their four goals.

Nigeria: Defending Champions Bounce Back

After an initial loss to Malawi, Nigeria rebounded decisively with a strong performance against Zambia and a resounding 6-2 victory over Egypt. The Super Falcons have shown resilience and learned from their mistakes, buoyed by passionate fan support.

Malawi – Ghana

Malawi has emerged as a surprise package, defeating defending champions Nigeria in their opening match and finishing atop their group. The Chawinga sisters bring invaluable experience, while coach Lovemore Fazili has instilled tactical flexibility in the team.

Ghana’s Mixed Bag

Ghana's journey has been inconsistent, with standout performances mixed with disappointing matches. They managed to advance from their group, thanks in part to a key goal from Evelyn Badu against Mali, but they need to find greater consistency to challenge Malawi.

Reflections on the Group Stage

Several teams have exited the tournament, including Senegal, Kenya, and Tanzania, each leaving with commendable performances. Noteworthy records and individual achievements have also marked the tournament:

• Record Player: Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné of Cameroon made her eighth appearance in the Africa Cup, a remarkable achievement.
• Oldest Scorer: Racheal Nachula from Zambia became the oldest goalscorer in the tournament's history at 40 years old.
• Standout Goalkeeper: Adji Ndiaye has been recognized for her outstanding performance against Morocco, showcasing her potential as a future star.

As the quarterfinals approach, the excitement builds around who will advance to the semifinals and ultimately contend for the championship. The tournament has already provided plenty of drama and surprises, setting the stage for thrilling knockout rounds ahead.