* Take charge of Group A sharing 3 points with Algeria separated by goal difference after the Fennecs beat Senegal 3-0
* As COSAFA wishes its trio, Malawi, Zambia and South Africa, with Banyana Banyana opening their campaign this evening and Malawi and Zambia tomorrow
Maravi Express
Morocco made an immediate statement at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAfCON) Morocco 2026 as the Atlas Lionesses swept aside Kenya 4-0 in their opening Group A match at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Sunday.
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Ibtissam Jraidi scored twice, while Sakina Ouzraoui and Meriem Atiq were also on target as the hosts produced a dominant performance in front of their home supporters.
The result sent Jorge Vilda’s side to the top of Group A on goal difference ahead of Algeria, who beat Senegal 2-0 earlier in the day.
A first-half penalty from Marine Dafeur and a late strike by Mélissa Bethi secured the three points for the North Africans, who produced a disciplined display to claim an important early advantage in the race for the knockout stages.
For Kenya, making their return to the continental finals after a decade away, it was a difficult introduction against a Morocco side determined to build on consecutive runners-up finishes in the competition.
Meanwhile, the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) wishes South Africa, Zambia and Malawi every success as they fly the flag for the region at the WAfCON Morocco 2026.
In a statement on its media platform, COSAFA states that it is proud to have three representatives at the finals, which underlines the continued growth and strength of women’s football in Southern Africa.
South Africa, who are in Group B, begin their campaign against Tanzania in Casablanca this Monday evening before facing Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso as they seek to add to their proud history in the competition.
Banyana Banyana were crowned African champions for the first time in Morocco in 2022 and return to the country with the experience and quality to once again challenge the continent’s best teams.
Zambia and Malawi have both been drawn in Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria and Egypt, ensuring there will be a meeting between two COSAFA nations in the pool stages.
Zambia meet Egypt in Rabat on Tuesday in their opening pool game, while Malawi have a baptism of fire against champions Nigeria.
The Copper Queens have established themselves as a leading force in African women’s football and will be making their fifth appearance at the continental finals.
Malawi, meanwhile, will make history by competing at the WAfCON for the first time. Their qualification is a significant achievement for the Scorchers and reflects the progress that has been made in women’s football in the country.
COSAFA president Tariq Babitseng says the presence of the three nations at the continental showpiece is a source of great pride for the region: “On behalf of the entire COSAFA family, I would like to wish South Africa, Zambia and Malawi every success.
Botswana Football Association (BFA) and COSAFA president, Tariq Babitseng
“Having three teams representing our region at this prestigious tournament is a significant achievement and demonstrates the continued progress being made in women’s football across Southern Africa.
“We are especially proud to see Malawi make their debut at the finals, while South Africa and Zambia have consistently shown that they can compete with the leading teams on the continent.
“We know that all three teams will represent their countries and the COSAFA region with pride, passion and determination.
“Their performances will inspire young girls across Southern Africa to believe that they, too, can reach the highest level of the game,” Babitseng said.
There will be further incentive for the three teams, with places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil available through the tournament. The four semi-finalists will book a ticket to the global finals, with two more places up for grabs through the intercontinental play-offs.—Reporting by CAFonline & COSAFA Media; editing by Maravi Express
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Results and fixtures — kick-off times CAT):
Group stages
Group A
Sunday, July 26
Algeria 2-9 Senegal
Morocco 4-0 Kenya
Thursday, July 30
Senegal v Kenya (19h00)
Morocco v Algeria (22h00)
Monday, August 3
Senegal v Morocco (22h00)
Kenya v Algeria (22h00)
Group B
Today, July 27
South Africa v Tanzania (19h00)
Côte d’Ivoire v Burkina Faso (22h00)
Friday, July 31
South Africa v Côte d’Ivoire (19h00)
Burkina Faso v Tanzania (22h00)
Tuesday, August 4
Burkina Faso v South Africa (22h00)
Tanzania v Côte d’Ivoire (22h00)
Group C
Tomorrow, July 28
Zambia v Egypt (19h00)
Nigeria v Malawi (22h00)
Saturday, August 1
Egypt v Malawi (19h00)
Nigeria v Zambia (22h00)
Wednesday, August 5
Egypt v Nigeria (22h00)
Malawi v Zambia (22h00)
Group D
Wednesday, July 29
Ghana v Cape Verde (19h00)
Cameroon vs Mali (22h00)
Sunday, August 2
Ghana v Cameroon (19h00)
Mali v Cape Verde (22h00)
Thursday, August 6
Mali v Ghana (22h00)
Cape Verde v Cameroon (22h00)
Quarterfinals
Saturday, August 8
QF 2: Winner Group B v 2nd Place Group A (19h00)
QF 1: Winner Group A v 2nd Place Group B (22h00)
Sunday, August 9
QF 4: Winner Group D v 2nd Place Group C (19h00)
QF 3: Winner Group C v 2nd Place Group D (22h00)
Semifinals
Wednesday, August 12
SF2: Winner QF2 v Winner QF3 (19h00)
SF1: Winner QF1 v Winner QF4 (22h00)
World Cup 2027 play-off matches
Thursday, August 13
Loser QF2 v Loser QF3 (19h00)
Loser QF1 v Loser QF4 (22h00)
Third place play-off
Saturday, August 15
Loser SF1 v Loser SF2 (19h00)
WAfCON 2026 final
Sunday, August 16
Winner SF1 v Winner SF2 (Moulay Hassan Stadium or Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, (21h00)
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