Photo of Chumasande Matiwane

WAFCON 2026 kicks off with a bang

3 months By Chumasande Matiwane

The excitement continues to build up as the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) continues. It brings together the continent’s top women’s football teams in a celebration of talent, determination, and sporting excellence.

Also see: Gayton McKenzie addresses uncertainty around 2026 WAFCON hosting

WAFCON off to a great start

The tournament, hosted in Morocco and featuring 16 nations competing for the prestigious African title, got underway this past Sunday, 26 Jul 2026, with the host nation securing a 4-0 victory over Kenya. 

Defending champions Nigeria, former champions South Africa, Zambia, Ghana, Cameroon, and host Morocco are among the top teams expected to challenge for the trophy.  

Fans across Africa are looking forward to exciting matches, outstanding goals, and unforgettable performances from some of the continent’s biggest football stars. 

Also see: WAFCON 2026 Postponed As CAF Moves Tournament To July And August

Banyana Banyana at WAFCON

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana will be aiming to make a strong start to their campaign as they seek to defend their reputation as one of Africa’s leading women’s football teams.  

Banyana Banyana hope to start on a positive note against Tanzania in their opening match at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.  

The two nations kick off at 7pm (6pm local time in Morocco). Banyana Banyana coach, Dr Desiree Ellis, has been in North Africa for a week and has now completed their preparations for the opener against the East African nation.  

In their last meeting, the two countries played to a draw, and Banyana Banyana know what to expect. 

As the opening whistle blows, football supporters across the continent will unite in celebrating the growth of women’s football. WAFCON promises weeks of thrilling competition, inspiring stories, and memorable moments as Africa’s best teams battle for continental glory. 

Also see: CAF moves to repair refereeing crisis after AFCON 2025 backlash

Featured image: Gallo Images/Getty Images/ Segun Ogunfeyitimi

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