The opening round of the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations delivered everything football fans could have hoped for. Across eight matches, supporters witnessed 30 goals, thrilling attacking football, commanding victories and a number of surprise results. Hosts Morocco, Zambia and Côte d’Ivoire all made powerful statements, while Malawi produced the biggest shock of the round by defeating record champions Nigeria. The opening matchday concluded with Cameroon edging Mali to complete an unforgettable start to the tournament.
Algeria Begin Their Campaign with a Comfortable Victory
Algeria opened their WAFCON 2026 journey with a solid 2-0 victory over Senegal. The opening stages were evenly contested as both teams looked to settle into the tournament without taking unnecessary risks. The breakthrough came just before halftime when Algeria were awarded a penalty. Dafeur calmly converted from the spot to give her side a deserved lead.
Senegal pushed forward after the break in search of an equaliser, but Algeria remained well organised defensively and rarely allowed their opponents any clear opportunities. Deep into the second half, Bethi sealed the victory with a well-taken finish, ensuring Algeria claimed all three points while keeping a clean sheet.
Morocco Send an Early Message to Their Rivals
Tournament hosts Morocco wasted no time showing why they are considered among the favourites for the continental title. They dominated Kenya from the opening whistle and took the lead through Ouzraoui, before Atiq doubled the advantage only minutes later following another well-worked attacking move.
Before halftime, Jraidi added a third goal to all but end the contest. The experienced forward struck again early in the second half to complete her brace and seal an emphatic 4-0 victory. Morocco’s convincing performance confirmed their title ambitions from the very first match.
Tanzania Produce the First Major Upset
One of the biggest surprises of the opening round came as Tanzania defeated defending champions South Africa 2-1. Tanzania struck first when Mesewa finished off a dangerous attack to put her side ahead.
South Africa responded just before the break through Mbane, sending the teams into halftime level. The second half remained evenly balanced, but with only minutes remaining Ubamba found the winner, securing a famous victory for Tanzania and handing the defending champions an unexpected opening-day defeat.
Côte d’Ivoire Too Strong for Burkina Faso
Côte d’Ivoire enjoyed a dominant performance against Burkina Faso, taking control of the match from the opening minutes. Elloh opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Konan struck twice in quick succession to give her side a commanding lead before halftime.
The Ivorians continued to dictate play after the interval, with Ouedraogo adding a fourth goal. Burkina Faso managed only a late consolation through Congo, as Côte d’Ivoire cruised to an impressive 4-1 victory.
Zambia Deliver a Statement Performance
Zambia produced the most dominant display of the opening round, crushing Egypt 6-0. Nachula opened the scoring from the penalty spot before the match quickly became the Barbra Banda show.
The Zambian captain proved unstoppable, scoring four goals and reminding everyone why she is regarded as one of Africa’s finest footballers. Phiri also got on the scoresheet as Zambia announced themselves as genuine title contenders with a devastating attacking display.
Malawi Make History Against Nigeria
The biggest story of the opening round belonged to Malawi, who stunned nine-time African champions Nigeria. After a goalless first half, the match exploded into life after the restart.
Temwa Chawinga broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute before her sister, Tabitha Chawinga, doubled Malawi’s lead just six minutes later. Nigeria fought back when Ajibade converted a penalty, but Temwa Chawinga struck again in stoppage time to restore her side’s two-goal cushion and seal a historic victory. Kanu scored in the closing moments, but Nigeria’s late goal only reduced the deficit as Malawi celebrated one of the greatest wins in the nation’s history.
Ghana Start Their Campaign in Style
Ghana enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 victory over Cape Verde, controlling the match from start to finish. Boaduwaa gave the Black Queens an early lead, calmly finishing to settle her team’s nerves.
Ghana continued to dominate after halftime and doubled their advantage when Vieira unfortunately turned the ball into her own net. Despite Cape Verde’s determined effort in their tournament debut, Ghana’s superior quality ensured a deserved opening victory.
Cameroon Finish the Opening Round on a High
The final match of the opening round provided plenty of drama. Cameroon took the lead after just 14 minutes when Ngah found the back of the net. Mali responded before halftime after winning a penalty, which Traore confidently converted to level the score.
The second half remained evenly contested before Cameroon were awarded another penalty in the 73rd minute. Ngah stepped up once again, converting from the spot to score her second goal of the evening and secure a 2-1 victory, giving Cameroon a winning start to their WAFCON 2026 campaign.
A Perfect Start to WAFCON 2026
The opening round of WAFCON 2026 has already shown that this tournament promises to be one of the most competitive editions in recent years. Morocco, Zambia and Côte d’Ivoire impressed with dominant victories, while Algeria, Ghana and Cameroon also began their campaigns with important wins. Tanzania shocked defending champions South Africa, and Malawi produced the headline result by defeating record champions Nigeria.
After eight matches, fans have witnessed 30 goals, outstanding individual performances and several results that could prove decisive in the race for the knockout stage. If the remainder of the tournament delivers the same level of excitement, WAFCON 2026 is set to become one of the most memorable editions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
