WAFCON 2026: Banyana Banyana Eye Another African Title

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 is finally here, and South African football fans will be hoping Banyana Banyana can once again fly the Mzansi flag high on the continent.

The tournament, hosted in Morocco from 26 July to 16 August 2026, brings together Africa’s best women’s national teams in what promises to be one of the most competitive editions yet. For South Africa, it’s about far more than simply reaching the knockout rounds. Banyana head to North Africa believing they have what it takes to lift the trophy for a second time and book their place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

After all, this squad has already shown they can conquer Africa. Now they want to prove that 2022 wasn’t just a once-off.

It hasn’t exactly been plain sailing for CAF or the competing nations.

Originally, WAFCON 2026 was scheduled to take place between March and April, but CAF postponed the tournament due to what it described as “unforeseen circumstances.” That decision sparked plenty of speculation, including rumours that South Africa could step in as hosts.

In the end, Morocco retained the hosting rights, becoming the first nation to host three successive editions of WAFCON after staging the tournaments in 2022, 2024 and 2026.

There were also venue changes along the way. Fez was removed from the hosting list as Morocco continued preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, while Rabat and Casablanca became the primary host cities.

The expansion to 16 teams also marks a significant milestone for women’s football in Africa. More nations now have the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage, helping grow the game across the continent.

The new-look tournament features 16 teams divided into four groups of four.

The top two teams from each group progress to the quarter-finals before the competition moves into the knockout stages.

There’s even more at stake this year.

The four semi-finalists automatically qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while the losing quarter-finalists enter an additional play-off to determine Africa’s remaining World Cup representatives through the intercontinental playoffs.

Every point matters.

Group A

• Morocco
• Algeria
• Senegal
• Kenya

Grp B

• South Africa
• Ivory Coast
• Burkina Faso
• Tanzania

Group C

• Nigeria
• Zambia
• Egypt
• Malawi

Grp D

• Ghana
• Cameroon
• Mali
• Cape Verde

Several nations are making history. Cape Verde and Malawi are appearing at their first-ever WAFCON finals, while Egypt and Ivory Coast return after lengthy absences.

Meanwhile, Nigeria remain the team everyone wants to beat. The Super Falcons have won 10 WAFCON titles, making them comfortably the most successful women’s national team in African football history.

When people talk about the favourites, Banyana Banyana deserve to be right near the top of the list.

South Africa are still regarded as one of Africa’s elite women’s football nations after winning their first WAFCON title in 2022, while they also impressed at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, reaching the knockout rounds for the first time.

Head coach Dr Desiree Ellis has once again assembled a squad packed with experience and exciting young talent.

Experienced campaigners like Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo and Hildah Magaia remain key figures, while the return of Thembi Kgatlana gives South Africa one of the most dangerous attacking threats in the tournament.

Youngsters, including Zoe October, will also get their opportunity to shine on one of African football’s biggest stages.

It’s a lekker blend of experience and youth, exactly what supporters want to see heading into a major tournament.

Banyana Banyana begin their campaign against Tanzania before taking on Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso in Group B.

On paper, South Africa should have enough quality to qualify for the quarter-finals, but anyone who follows African football knows there are no easy games anymore.

Tanzania proved they can frustrate stronger teams, Burkina Faso qualified unbeaten, and Ivory Coast arrive with renewed confidence after returning to the tournament.

Banyana can’t afford to take anyone lightly.

The simple answer?

Absolutely.

South Africa have one of the strongest squads in Africa, one of the continent’s best coaches in Desiree Ellis, and a core of players who know exactly what it takes to win major tournaments.

However, there are still several serious contenders standing in their way.

Nigeria: The Super Falcons remain Africa’s benchmark and are chasing an incredible 11th WAFCON title.

Morocco: Playing at home gives Morocco a massive advantage after finishing runners-up in recent editions. Their passionate supporters could make them dangerous once again.

Zambia: With stars like Barbra Banda leading the attack, Zambia have become one of Africa’s most exciting teams and are genuine title contenders.

One of the biggest talking points before previous tournaments involved disputes over player payments and bonuses. Fortunately, those issues appear to have been resolved ahead of WAFCON 2026.

Desiree Ellis has repeatedly stressed that the focus is firmly on football, allowing the players to concentrate on defending South Africa’s reputation as one of Africa’s strongest women’s teams.

That’s exactly how it should be.

Prediction: Banyana to Reach the Knockout Stages

Looking at the draw, Banyana Banyana should have enough quality to comfortably finish inside the top two of Group B. If they do, they’ll book a place in the quarter-finals and move one step closer to another African crown and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Will it be easy? Definitely not.

But with Kgatlana back, the midfield packed with experience and Ellis pulling the strings from the touchline, South African fans have every reason to believe.

Come on Banyana. Bring that trophy back to Mzansi!

Tournament Winner: Nigeria (slight favourites)

Value Pick: South Africa

Dark Horse: Zambia

South Africa Prediction: Quarter-finals at a minimum, with a realistic chance of reaching the final if key players stay fit.