Several leading contenders for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) were in action across Africa on February 27 and 28, using high-profile international friendlies to assess squad depth, tactical balance and overall readiness ahead of the continental showpiece.
Hosts Morocco women’s national team sent a strong early warning to rivals with a commanding 5–0 victory over Burkina Faso women’s national team at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Friday.
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The dominant display underlined Morocco’s ambition as they continue preparations to host WAFCON 2026, showcasing attacking sharpness and defensive solidity.
In Yaoundé, Cameroon women’s national team edged Nigeria Super Falcons 1–0 in the first leg of a keenly contested double-header friendly.
Cameroon’s Mbomezomo Yvana struck deep into stoppage time to seal the win at the Ngoa-Ekelle Military Stadium, handing the 10-time African champions a narrow defeat in a tightly fought encounter.
Elsewhere, Cote d’Ivoire women’s national team claimed a 2–1 home victory over Benin women’s national team at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, while Algeria women’s national team recorded an impressive 3–0 win against Egypt women’s national team at the City of October 6 Stadium.
Upcoming Fixtures
The international window continues with more key tests for WAFCON hopefuls:
Monday, 2 March: Benin vs Kenya – Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan
Tuesday, 3 March: Cameroon vs Nigeria – Ngoa-Ekelle Military Stadium, Yaoundé
Tuesday, 3 March:
Algeria vs Egypt – City of October 6 Stadium, Cairo
Tuesday, 3 March: Morocco vs Burkina Faso – Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat
Wednesday, 4 March: Cote d’Ivoire vs Kenya – Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium, Ebimpé
The Cameroon–Nigeria double-header remains one of the standout fixtures of the window, offering both sides a stern examination of their credentials.
Morocco will also continue their preparations with a second meeting against Burkina Faso, as the hosts seek rhythm and consistency before welcoming the continent next year.
Pink Ladies Cup
Away from the continent, Tanzania women’s national team and Ghana women’s national team have opted for overseas preparation, competing in the Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from February 28 to March 6.
The invitational tournament also features Russia and Hong Kong, providing diverse opposition and a competitive environment for tactical refinement.
Tanzania and Ghana are set to meet on the final day, a clash expected to offer valuable insight into their readiness ahead of WAFCON 2026.
With preparations intensifying across multiple fronts, the latest round of friendlies has begun to shape the narrative ahead of Africa’s premier women’s football tournament.
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