The resplendent stadiums across the North African of Morocco vibrated with pure electricity of drama, thrills and frills as the Group Stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations reached a roaring crescendo as the participating countries passionately sought quarter-final berths.
What began as a tactical chess match quickly devolved into breathless displays of finesse, defined by high-stakes drama and heart-stopping thrills with most of the matches pushing spectators to the edge of absolute collapse during moments of agonizing, last-minute suspense
At the end of it all, Africa’s elite nations, fought through tears and triumphs to secure their coveted places in the last eight rounds, with particular mention of the competition surprise package Malawi which rose to the occasion while former champions Nigeria and South Africa narrowly survived the scare.
With competition’s knockout phase taking place on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, at stake are the places in the semi-finals and automatic qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.
Taking the centre stage today at Stade Moulay Rachid in Casablanca is the clash between Côte d’Ivoire and Algeria at 18h00 local time (17h00 GMT). The Ivorians, who impressed throughout the group stage, will be aiming to continue their campaign against an Algerian side that has reached the quarter-finals with hopes of progressing to the last four for the first time.
Later tonight, attention will shifts to Rabat, where hosts Morocco meet South Africa at Stade Moulay Hassan (21h00 local time; 20h00 GMT), which is a repeat of the 2022 TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON final, won 2-1 by Banyana Banyana.
On Sunday, the action time will flag-off at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca with a heavyweight clash between Cameroon and record 10-time champions Nigeria. The Indomitable Lionesses, who progressed through the group stage unbeaten, are having their hands full facing the Super Falcons in one of the standout fixtures of the quarter-finals and just anything can happen when the 90 minutes showdown ends
The last quarter-final tie comes up at Stade Al Madina in Rabat, where tournament surprise package Malawi have a date with Ghana. Reaching the knockout stage on their debut, Malawi will seek to continue their remarkable campaign against the Black Queens who demonstrated composure to survive Mali’s fightback for the quarter-final spot.
All said and done, four powerhouse nations will survive the grueling quarter-finals to secure their spots in the WAFCON semi-finals. Ultimately, the quartet will be edging one step closer to seizing Africa’s coveted women’s football crown and the epic battle will unfold on Sunday, August 16, 2026, under the bright lights of Rabat’s Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Morocco. – With CAFonline report
Quarter-Final Fixtures
Saturday, 08 August
Côte d’Ivoire vs Algeria | Time: 17:00 GMT | Venue: Stade Moulay Rachid, Casablanca
Morocco vs South Africa | Time: 20:00 GMT | Venue: Stade Moulay Hassan, Rabat
Sunday, 09 August
Cameroon vs Nigeria | Time: 17:00 GMT | Venue: Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca
Malawi vs Ghana | Time: 20:00 GMT | Venue: Stade Al Madina, Rabat
