Women’s AFCON 2026: Four group leaders move closer to quarter-finals

The second round of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 group stage ended on Sunday, 2 August, with Morocco, Cote d’Ivoire, Malawi and Cameroon leading their respective sections and holding the advantage with one round of matches remaining.

All four sides are now in a favourable position to reach the quarter-finals, although the final group fixtures will determine which teams progress from the first stage.

Group A

Morocco have made the strongest start in Group A, winning both of their matches and collecting six points.

Algeria sit second on three points, while Senegal are also on three points but occupy third place because of an inferior goal difference. Kenya remain at the bottom of the section without a point.

Morocco’s perfect record gives them a clear advantage heading into the final round. Algeria and Senegal will both be hoping to close the gap, while Kenya face the challenge of trying to move off the foot of the table.

Group B

Cote d’Ivoire remain top of Group B after drawing with South Africa. The result leaves them with four points from their two matches.

Burkina Faso and Tanzania are level behind the leaders on three points each. South Africa are fourth with one point after the second round.

The group is therefore still tightly balanced behind Cote d’Ivoire, with Burkina Faso and Tanzania both within reach of the leading position. South Africa must improve their points tally in the final round to remain in contention.

Group C

Malawi are the only team in Group C with a 100% record, having won both of their matches. Their six points put them at the top of the section after two rounds.

Nigeria and Zambia each have three points and remain in the race for qualification. Egypt are last without a point.

Malawi’s two victories have placed them in command, but the battle for the remaining qualification places is still open. Nigeria and Zambia will go into the final round level on points, while Egypt need a first result of the tournament.

Group D

Cameroon moved into first place in Group D with six points after recording a second successive victory.

Ghana and Mali are tied on three points apiece, while Cape Verde remain at the bottom of the group with no points.

Cameroon’s back-to-back wins have given them the strongest position in the section. Ghana and Mali are still competing for progress, but Cape Verde will need points in the final round after losing both of their opening matches.

With one round of group-stage fixtures still to play, the leading teams have established an important advantage, while several places remain undecided across the four groups.