The first round of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers concludes on Wednesday, with nine decisive matches set to determine which teams advance to the next stage.
Following the first-leg encounters, some nations hold an advantage, while others face an uphill battle to overturn deficits and keep their qualification hopes alive.
First-Leg Results Set the Stage for Crucial Return Matches
Uganda secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Ethiopia, positioning themselves well for the return leg.
Tunisia and Kenya played out a goalless draw, leaving their fate wide open as they prepare to face off once again.
Namibia dominated Eswatini with a 3-0 win, placing them in firm control, while Djibouti suffered a heavy 5-0 home defeat to Togo, making their chances of progression highly unlikely.
Burkina Faso edged past Burundi with a narrow 1-0 victory, keeping the tie delicately poised, while Angola claimed a 2-1 win over Zimbabwe but must now defend their lead away from home.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) secured a strong 2-0 result against Botswana, boosting their qualification hopes, while Guinea and Cape Verde battled to a thrilling 2-2 draw, leaving everything to play for in the second leg.
Tanzania took a crucial step toward qualification with a 3-1 victory over Equatorial Guinea, but their opponents still have a chance to mount a comeback.
Wednesday’s Fixtures (All Times GMT)
- 13:00 – Ethiopia vs. Uganda
- 14:00 – Namibia vs. Eswatini
- 14:00 – Tunisia vs. Kenya
- 14:00 – Zimbabwe vs. Angola
- 17:00 – Burkina Faso vs. Burundi
- 17:00 – DR Congo vs. Botswana
- 17:00 – Togo vs. Djibouti
- 18:00 – Cape Verde vs. Guinea
- 19:00 – Equatorial Guinea vs. Tanzania
With qualification at stake, teams will need to deliver decisive performances as they fight for a place in the next phase of the tournament.
