Historic semi-finals set to crown first-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations winner

Nigeria’s elimination has guaranteed a new Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champion, with the 2026 tournament now entering an unprecedented semi-final stage in Morocco.

The Super Falcons, who had won 10 of the competition’s 13 previous editions, were beaten 1-0 by Cameroon in Sunday’s quarter-final at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. Nigeria had lifted the trophy at the last tournament in 2024, making their early exit a major shock across African football.

The final will be played in the Moroccan capital next Sunday, with the tournament continuing in Morocco until 16 August.

Nigeria now face a possible World Cup absence

Nigeria’s disappointment could become even greater because the team will have to compete in African qualifying for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil next summer, with the tournament scheduled to take place from 24 June to 25 July.

Failure to win that qualifying competition would see Nigeria miss the World Cup for the first time since the tournament began in 1991. Such an outcome would represent a significant setback for one of the continent’s most successful women’s football nations.

Morocco have chance to end final heartbreak

Nigeria’s departure has created an opportunity for Morocco to win the continental title for the first time.

The Atlas Lionesses have never previously had a clearer route to the trophy. They have lost the past two finals, both of which were played on home soil. South Africa beat them 2-1 in 2022 before Nigeria won the 2024 final 3-2.

That record has added significance after the recent men’s Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco’s Atlas Lions and Senegal, but the women’s side will now hope to write a different ending.

Morocco have impressed under Spanish head coach Jorge Vilda, the former manager of the Spain team that became world champions. Their performances have included a 2-1 quarter-final victory over South Africa and a 1-0 group-stage win against Algeria.

Algeria reach landmark semi-final

Algeria have also made history in the 2026 edition by reaching the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time.

Their progress has secured automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Four direct World Cup places are awarded to the African teams that reach the semi-finals of the continental tournament, meaning Algeria have already achieved a major milestone.

They began with a 2-0 victory against Senegal and showed further strength in a dramatic 2-1 win over Cote d’Ivoire, who finished the match with 10 players.

Malawi provide the biggest surprise

Malawi are the surprise package of the tournament after producing the finest achievement in their history during their first appearance at the continental finals.

Ranked 135th in the FIFA world rankings, the Scorchers topped Group C before reaching the semi-finals with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Ghana. Their run has also earned Malawi one of the four direct qualification places for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

The team have continued to defy expectations from one match to the next, with sisters Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga playing central roles. The pair have scored six of Malawi’s nine goals between them, including during the historic 3-2 victory over Nigeria in the opening match.

The semi-finals will take place next Wednesday. Algeria face Malawi at 19:00, before Morocco meet Cameroon at 22:00.

Whatever happens in those matches, the 2026 tournament will produce a new queen of African women’s football.