WAFCON
WAFCON 2024: Ghana and Tanzania Set for Winner-Takes-All Clash in Group C Decider
Ghana and Tanzania will clash for the first time ever at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) when they meet in a decisive Group C encounter on Monday, July 15, at the Stade Municipal de Berkane (kick-off 20:00 local time / 19:00 GMT).
The match is a must-win for both sides, with a quarter-final ticket hanging in the balance. Ghana, three-time runners-up, are under pressure to salvage their 2024 campaign after a shaky start, while Tanzania are chasing history as they aim to reach the knockout phase for the first time.
Ghana Desperate to Avoid Early Exit
The Black Queens have endured a difficult tournament so far, losing 1-0 to defending champions South Africa and drawing 1-1 with Mali, despite taking the lead. This is the first time since 2014 that Ghana have failed to win any of their opening two matches, and they are now winless in their last four WAFCON fixtures (two draws, two losses).
Ghana must secure victory to advance to the quarter-finals, which would be their seventh appearance at that stage after successes in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2016. Failure to do so could see them eliminated in the group stage for a second consecutive tournament — a historic low for the once-dominant side.
Historically, Ghana have been strong in final group games, winning eight of their ten previous closing matches in the group phase. Their only defeat came against Equatorial Guinea in 2010, while their draw against Cameroon in 2018 cost them a place in the quarter-finals as hosts.
Notably, the Black Queens have never gone through a WAFCON tournament without registering at least one win — a streak now under threat.
Tanzania Eyeing First Win and Knockout Berth
Tanzania’s Twiga Stars, making only their second WAFCON appearance after debuting in 2010, earned their first-ever point in the competition with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against South Africa. They also made history by scoring first in a WAFCON game for the first time.
Despite being reduced to ten players following the red card to Elizabeth Chenge — the tournament’s first sending-off — Tanzania showed resilience and defensive improvement, having conceded just two goals in two matches, compared to four in their opening two games in 2010.
Tanzania have lost all four of their previous meetings with West African opposition, including defeats to Mali in 2010 and 2024, and a 3-0 loss to Nigeria in 2010. However, they now have a golden chance to rewrite their WAFCON story. A win over Ghana would not only be their first in tournament history, but also send them through to the quarter-finals — the first East African side to achieve the feat since Ethiopia in 2004.
All four of Tanzania’s WAFCON goals to date have come in the first half, with Opah Clement’s strike against South Africa standing out as her only shot on target.
High Stakes in Berkane
With both teams needing a win to stay alive in the competition, the stage is set for a tense and potentially historic showdown in Berkane. Ghana will be banking on experience and tradition to see them through, while Tanzania are hoping youthful exuberance and momentum will carry them into uncharted territory.
One team will progress. The other will go home.
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By Kunle Solaja.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been postponed, with Africa’s football governing body announcing new dates for the tournament in Morocco.
The Confederation of African Football confirmed that the 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will now take place from 25 July to 16 August 2026, instead of the earlier scheduled dates of 17 March to 3 April 2026.
Morocco was awarded the hosting rights for the continental showpiece in October 2024, with preparations already underway for what is expected to be one of the biggest editions of the competition. It doubles as the qualification tournament for the Women’s World Cup, as the top four finishers will feature in the global event.
CAF said the decision to move the tournament followed consultations with FIFA and other key stakeholders.
In a statement, CAF explained that the adjustment was made “to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances.”
Although the organisation did not elaborate on the nature of those circumstances, the rescheduling shifts the tournament to the traditional mid-year international football window, which is often more favourable for player availability and logistics.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is the continent’s flagship women’s football competition and serves as a crucial platform for the development and visibility of the women’s game in Africa.
Morocco, which successfully hosted the 2022 edition of the tournament, is expected to leverage its modern stadium infrastructure and growing reputation as a major football events destination to deliver another high-profile competition.
CAF expressed confidence that the revised schedule will allow all stakeholders to adequately prepare for the tournament.
“Preparations for the WAFCON 2026 are underway, and all the parties are confident that it will be very successful,” the governing body stated.
The tournament will bring together Africa’s top women’s national teams competing for continental supremacy, with the rescheduling expected to give organisers additional time to ensure optimal preparations for the event.
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The Confederation of African Football has announced that it will issue an official communication within the next 48 hours regarding the situation surrounding the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026.
In a brief message posted on social media, CAF indicated that the matter has been under extensive discussion in recent weeks and is currently receiving urgent attention at the highest levels of the organisation.
“CAF will communicate within the next 48 hours on the situation regarding the #TotalEnergiesWAFCON26. There have been several discussions over the past weeks. The matter is receiving urgent and high-level attention,” the confederation stated.
Although CAF did not provide specific details about the issue under review, the statement suggests that senior officials within the continental governing body are working toward a resolution.
The development has sparked anticipation across the African football community, particularly among national teams preparing for the women’s continental championship.
The Confederation of African Football is expected to clarify the circumstances and outline the next steps for the tournament when it releases its official update within the stipulated timeframe.
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Reigning African champions Nigeria produced a commanding response, defeating Cameroon 3–1 on Tuesday in the second of their pre-WAFCON international friendlies in Yaounde.
Three days after suffering a narrow 1–0 loss at the Military Stadium, the Super Falcons returned to the same venue. They delivered a far more assured performance, underlining their pedigree as perennial continental powerhouses.
Head Coach Justin Madugu rang the changes, making seven alterations to the starting line-up that featured in Saturday’s defeat. However, it was Cameroon who struck first again, netting in the seventh minute to momentarily raise concerns of a repeat setback.
Nigeria responded with composure and growing authority.
Forward Chinwendu Ihezuo restored parity in the 32nd minute, rising above her marker to power home a header from a well-delivered cross by Rinsola Babajide. The equaliser settled the Falcons, who began to dictate tempo and press with greater coordination.
Just before the break, the comeback was completed. After a scramble inside the Cameroonian box, Babajide reacted quickest to fire home in the 43rd minute, turning provider into scorer to give Nigeria a 2–1 lead at halftime.
Madugu’s reshaped midfield proved decisive, pressing higher up the pitch, shutting down central channels and forcing the Lionesses into speculative long balls.
The Falcons extended their advantage in the 64th minute. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, influential down the right flank, delivered a teasing cross into the penalty area. Michelle Alozie attacked the ball with conviction, launching into a flying header that made it 3–1 and effectively sealed the contest.
Both sides treated the two-match series as crucial preparation for the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.
For Nigeria, the emphatic victory not only avenged Saturday’s defeat but also reaffirmed their status as Africa’s benchmark in women’s football heading into the continental showpiece.
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