Category: Football Africa

by Football Sierra Leone

Egypt Keep Faint WAFCON Qualification Hopes Alive

Following their disappointing opening loss, Egypt’s hopes in the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 are precarious as they face a strong Malawi team, fresh off a 3-2 victory against 10-time champions Nigeria.

For Mohamed Kamal’s squad, bouncing back is critical; another defeat could derail their chances of reaching the quarterfinals, while Malawi can secure their spot with a consecutive win.

Mohamed Kamal: “Show the true face of Egypt

Despite the 6-0 loss to Zambia in their opener, Kamal remains calm, insisting his team is still learning. “We want to show the true face of the Egyptian team. We’ve reviewed our mistakes and need to grow through these experiences,” he explained. He respects Malawi’s talent, admitting, “They pulled off a significant upset, and we’re preparing for them with complete focus.”

Nadin Ghazi: “It would be a rebirth.

Egyptian captain Nadin Ghazi is resolute despite the defeat. “We’re even more motivated now; we want to make our nation proud,” she stated. For her, winning this match signifies a crucial turning point. “This is our opportunity. Our goal is to take all three points,” she affirmed, emphasizing the unity of her team.

Malawi stays grounded

Despite their win over Nigeria, Malawi’s coach Lovemore Fazili emphasizes the importance of staying focused. “It will be a different match,” he noted, stressing the need for seriousness in preparation. “We’re not underestimating Egypt; we know they can be a challenge.” Midfielder Leticia Chinyamula echoed this sentiment, urging others not to underestimate their potential: “Don’t judge us too quickly. We’ve already moved on from the Nigeria game and are focused on performing even better against Egypt.”

Stat of the Day

Egypt faces a Southern African nation for the fourth time, holding one win and two losses. Their last two matches against COSAFA teams ended in defeats, including a 6-0 loss to Zambia in the current tournament. Their only victory in the finals came against Zimbabwe in 2016, where they won 1-0.

Cameroon book Women's World Cup 2027 spot after win over Nigeria
by Football Sierra Leone

Manga bags a brace as Cameroon edge Mali in a highly entertaining duel

Ngah Manga scored twice to lead Cameroon to a 2-1 victory over Mali in the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Group D match in Casablanca on Thursday.

With this win, Cameroon improved its record against Mali to four wins and one draw in their last five encounters.

Manga opened the scoring in the 14th minute. She controlled a high pass and finished neatly to put Cameroon ahead. Mali equalised in the 30th minute when Cameroonian goalkeeper Michaely Bihina fouled Aïssata Traoré. Traoré converted the penalty, making it 1-1.

The first half saw both teams create chances but remain tied. In the 72nd minute, Cameroon regained the lead after a VAR review awarded them a penalty, which Manga converted for her second goal.

Mali pushed for another equaliser, but Cameroon defended well. The best late chance came from Mali’s Fatoumata Diarra, whose shot lacked power and was easily saved by Bihina.

This victory solidifies Cameroon’s strong history against Mali.

Cameroon is participating in the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the 13th time, having played in every edition since 1998 except for the last tournament.

Next up, Cameroon will face Ghana, while Mali will hope to bounce back against Cape Verde.

Banda scores four times as Zambia Thrash Egypt, Malawi stun Nigeria
by Football Sierra Leone

Banda scores four times as Zambia Thrash Egypt, Malawi stun Nigeria

Zambia’s women’s soccer team began their 2026 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a strong 6-0 win over Egypt in Rabat. Barbra Banda starred in the match, scoring four goals, including two in just three minutes after half-time.

Rachel Nachula put Zambia ahead with a penalty in the 25th minute. Banda scored her first penalty in the 60th minute, then added another goal shortly after to make it 3-0.

She completed her hat-trick with a goal in the 87th minute. Substitute Eneless Phiri contributed Zambia’s fifth goal in stoppage time, and Banda finished the scoring in the 96th minute.

This result is a great start for Zambia as they aim for their first Women’s AFCON title.

Elsewhere, Malawi defeated Nigeria 3-2 as they produced one of the biggest shocks in TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations history by beating record champions in their Group C opener on Tuesday night.

The Scorchers, playing their first match at the continental finals, stunned the 10-time champions with three second-half goals at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

Côte d’Ivoire brush aside Burkina Faso in Group opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Côte d’Ivoire brush aside Burkina Faso in Group opener

Côte d’Ivoire came back strong in the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, beating Burkina Faso 4-1 in their opening Group B game on Monday night.

This is the Lady Elephants’ first time in the tournament in 12 years. They were clearly the better team in the first half and managed the game well overall.

Rebecca Elloh scored first with a penalty. Ines Konan got two goals, with assists from Rosemonde Kouassi and Nsira Ouedraogo.

Burkina Faso managed to pull one back through Adama Congo early in the second half, but Côte d’Ivoire quickly regained their lead when Ouedraogo scored again.

It was a great start for coach Reynald Pedros, who had asked the team to play their hearts out in Morocco. The players showed they were well-prepared and confident, blending experienced players with younger talent.

Captain Bernadette Amani Kakounan was happy to be back at WAFCON, and the Lady Elephants proved it with a determined performance.

This win is a good start for Côte d’Ivoire, especially following Tanzania’s surprise win against South Africa. They’ve put themselves in a good position to reach the quarter-finals, as the top two teams from each group move on.

News WAFCON Match Day Two Results
News WAFCON Match Day Two Results
Resilient Tanzania edge South Africa in tight Group B opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tanzania edge South Africa in tight Group B WAFCON opener

Tanzania kicked off their TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 qualifying matches with a 2-1 win against South Africa in Casablanca.

This was the second match in Group B and the third overall at the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON finals. South Africa had won the first game, and the second ended in a draw, so Tanzania was really looking for a win here.

Tanzania had some good chances early on. Opa Tukumbuke nearly scored in the 13th minute, but the South African goalkeeper, Andile Dlamini, saved her shot.

Two minutes later, Lebohang Ramalepe had another great chance for Tanzania with a header that almost went in as an own goal, but Dlamini managed to get a hand to it. For South Africa, Hildah Magaia missed a good opportunity to score, shooting high over the crossbar.

The first goal came in the 37th minute from Tanzania’s Diana Msewa, named Woman of the Match. Kgatlana almost equalised just before halftime, but her shot was saved. Then, Bambanani Mbane pulled South Africa level right before the halftime whistle.

South Africa had a chance to take the lead at the start of the second half. However, Tanzania secured the win in the 86th minute when substitute Hasnath Ubamba fired home. 

This result gives Tanzania three important points in Group B ahead of their next match against Burkina Faso, while South Africa will regroup before facing Cote d’Ivoire.