Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026: Nigeria, Senegal and Mali revive qualification hopes

The second round of group matches at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 ended on Sunday with Nigeria, Senegal and Mali recovering from difficult starts, while Malawi continued their impressive campaign.

Nigeria claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Zambia, who had opened the competition with a convincing win. The result means all three teams in Group C still have their qualification hopes in their own hands, with the exception of Egypt, who were eliminated after losing 3-1 to Malawi.

Malawi’s victory ended the Pharaohs’ hopes and maintained the momentum of a side that has enjoyed another positive result in the tournament. Nigeria, the defending champions, had been under pressure after Zambia’s strong opening performance and could not afford another setback.

Rasheedat Ajibade and her team-mates delivered the minimum required against the Copper Queens, securing three points without conceding. The outcome has set up a decisive final round of matches in Group C.

Senegal recover in Group A

Senegal responded to their opening defeat by Algeria with a 1-0 win over Kenya. The Lionnes had been under pressure to produce a result and successfully recovered against the Harambee Starlets.

Morocco also defeated Algeria 1-0 in the group’s key fixture. The result has reopened the qualification race, with the teams still in contention heading into the final group matches.

In Group B, Cote d’Ivoire surrendered a lead against South Africa and had to settle for a 2-2 draw. It was the first stalemate of the tournament so far.

South Africa had been beaten by Tanzania in their opening match, but the Banyana Banyana fought back to earn a point against Cote d’Ivoire. Tanzania could not build on their first-round success, losing 2-1 to Burkina Faso.

The result gave the Etalons Dames an important victory, while leaving the group finely balanced before the final round of fixtures.

Ghana must wait for final day

Ghana’s qualification decision will be delayed until the third matchday after the Black Queens were beaten 1-0 by Cameroon. The Indomitable Lionesses secured the win in a closely contested encounter.

Mali ended the day with a 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in the final match. The result kept Mali’s campaign alive after a tightly fought game and strengthened their position ahead of the closing group fixtures.

The second matchday delivered several important changes across the four groups. Senegal, Nigeria and Mali all recovered, while Zambia suffered their first defeat. Malawi continued to make progress, Egypt were knocked out and Cape Verde also lost their second-round match.

The final round of group games will determine which teams advance, with Group C especially open after Malawi’s win and Nigeria’s narrow victory.

Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, second-matchday results:

– Senegal 1-0 Kenya – Morocco 1-0 Algeria – South Africa 2-2 Cote d’Ivoire – Burkina Faso 2-1 Tanzania – Egypt 1-3 Malawi – Nigeria 1-0 Zambia – Ghana 0-1 Cameroon – Mali 3-2 Cape Verde