The third and final round of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations group stage kicks off on Saturday, with just one team, Nigeria, having secured qualification for the quarter-finals ahead of the decisive fixtures.
With several sides still in contention, the final matchday promises drama across all groups. The fixtures will be played simultaneously, ensuring suspense and intensity as teams battle for the remaining spots in the knockout phase.
Saturday’s attention will be on two pivotal matches. Morocco face Senegal in a tightly balanced encounter where both teams still have everything to play for.
The outcome of this clash could determine not only qualification but also the order of finish in the group. Meanwhile, Zambia meet the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with a clear objective: secure victory and advance without relying on other results.
Zambia, who have shown flashes of attacking brilliance throughout the tournament, will be looking to finish the group stage on a high.
Their opponents, the DRC, are equally determined to claim three points and keep their hopes of progression alive, making this clash one of the day’s most anticipated showdowns.
On Sunday, Nigeria, already assured of a place in the quarter-finals, will face Algeria. The Super Falcons have been dominant so far and are expected to rotate their squad slightly, but their competitive spirit remains intact.
Algeria, however, have everything to fight for and must aim for a result to keep their tournament hopes alive.
In the other Sunday fixture, Tunisia take on Botswana. Tunisia earned a hard-fought draw against Algeria in their previous outing and will be hoping to carry that momentum into this final group game.
Botswana, needing a win, are expected to push forward early, setting the stage for an open and unpredictable contest.
The group stage concludes on Monday with another set of crucial matchups. South Africa, one of the tournament’s favourites, go head-to-head with Mali in what is expected to be a physically demanding battle. Both sides remain in the race for qualification, and the result could come down to fine margins.
Ghana will also be in action against Tanzania on the same evening. The Black Queens are aiming to advance, but they will need to overcome a spirited Tanzanian side that has already proven capable of springing surprises.
With qualification still hanging in the balance, this match is poised to deliver a dramatic finish to the group stage.
Full Schedule – Women’s AFCON 2024: Final Group Matches (All times GMT)
Saturday, July 12
7 p.m.: Zambia vs DRC
7 p.m.: Morocco vs Senegal
Sunday, July 13
7 p.m.: Nigeria vs Algeria
7 p.m.: Tunisia vs Botswana
Monday, July 14
7 p.m.: South Africa vs Mali
7 p.m.: Ghana vs Tanzania
With just one team through and multiple sides in fierce contention, the final round of the group stage promises suspense, excitement, and possible upsets as Africa’s top women’s football nations battle for a place in the quarter-finals.
