WAFCON 2026: Group D set for thrilling battle

Group D of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations promises to be one of the most competitive sections of the tournament, bringing together Ghana, Cameroon, Mali and tournament debutants Cape Verde.

With former finalists, experienced contenders and newcomers all competing for places in the knockout stage, the group offers a mix of pedigree, ambition and opportunity as the continental championship gets underway in Morocco.

Ghana aims to end long wait for first title

Ghana enters the tournament for the 12th time, continuing its long history in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Despite being one of the continent’s most recognised women’s national teams, the Black Queens are still searching for their first continental title.

Their closest opportunities came in 1998, 2002 and 2006, when they finished as runners-up on each occasion.

The team returns to the competition after securing third place during its most recent appearance in 2024 and will hope to build on that result by challenging for another deep run in Morocco.

With considerable experience at this level, Ghana begins the tournament as one of the strongest teams in Group D.

Cameroon returns to the competition

Cameroon arrives with an equally impressive history in African women’s football.

Ranked 13th, the Indomitable Lionesses have reached three Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals, finishing runners-up in 2004, 2014 and 2016.

They reached the quarter-finals in 2022 but missed the 2024 edition after being eliminated by Algeria during qualifying.

However, Cameroon earned another opportunity to compete after being reinstated among the four highest-ranked nations in the FIFA rankings.

The team will now attempt to re-establish itself among Africa’s leading sides.

Mali and Cape Verde chase memorable campaigns

Mali is preparing for its ninth appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Its best performance remains a fourth-place finish achieved in 2018, while the team also reached the quarter-finals in the 2024 edition.

Although Mali was eliminated by Cape Verde during the second qualifying round, it later secured a place in the finals after receiving another opportunity to compete.

The West African nation will be hoping to make the most of that chance by progressing beyond the group stage once again.

Cape Verde enters the tournament for the first time, marking a historic milestone for the country’s women’s national team.

The debut follows another significant achievement for Cape Verdean football after the men’s national team featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Competing against three experienced opponents, Cape Verde will look to make a positive first impression on the continental stage.

Group D fixture schedule

The opening round of matches will be played on 29 July.

• 29 July 2026 – 17:00 GMT: Ghana vs Cape Verde (Moulay Rachid Stadium)
• 29 July 2026 – 20:00 GMT: Cameroon vs Mali (Larbi Zaouli Stadium)

The second round of fixtures is scheduled for 2 August.

• 2 August 2026 – 17:00 GMT: Ghana vs Cameroon (Moulay Rachid Stadium)
• 2 August 2026 – 20:00 GMT: Mali vs Cape Verde (Larbi Zaouli Stadium)

The group stage concludes on 6 August, with both matches kicking off simultaneously.

• 6 August 2026 – 20:00 GMT: Mali vs Ghana (Moulay Rachid Stadium)
• 6 August 2026 – 20:00 GMT: Cape Verde vs Cameroon (Larbi Zaouli Stadium)

A tightly contested group awaits

Group D combines experience, history and emerging ambition.

Ghana and Cameroon boast long records in the competition and will be aiming to return to the latter stages, while Mali hopes to build on recent progress.

Cape Verde, meanwhile, will be looking to make history in its first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations appearance.

With every point likely to prove crucial, the battle for qualification promises to be one of the standout stories of the tournament’s opening phase.

Rabat is ready for the stars of Group A. Who will make the biggest impact? 🌟🇲🇦 #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2026 pic.twitter.com/LLEJ1BjXcv

— CAF Women Football (@CAFwomen) July 20, 2026