2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations progress

The tournament in Morocco continued to produce dramatic twists. After Tanzania’s opening‑day upset over South Africa, the Banyana Banyana side rebounded, securing a 1‑0 win over Burkina Faso thanks to an early strike by Thembi Kgatlana. That victory placed South Africa into the quarter‑finals against host nation Morocco and left them just one win away from automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Malawi’s women’s team, the Scorchers, received a standing ovation in Parliament after their historic run, which included a 3‑2 triumph over ten‑time champions Nigeria and a subsequent win over Egypt. The parliamentary honor highlighted continued government and corporate support as the Scorchers prepared for their final group match against Zambia.

Overall, the competition has seen South Africa recover from an early setback to a knockout‑stage position while Malawi’s achievements have been celebrated nationally, underscoring the growing prominence of women’s football across the continent.