Banyana Banyana Aim for African Glory in Morocco

The TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026 is almost here, and excitement is building as Africa’s best women’s national teams prepare to battle for continental honours. This year, the tournament takes place from 26 July to 16 August 2026, with Morocco hosting the competition for a third consecutive edition. As a result, football fans can look forward to three weeks of world-class action featuring the continent’s strongest national sides.

Since becoming a biennial tournament in 1998, WAFCON has continued to grow in stature while showcasing the remarkable progress of women’s football across Africa. Furthermore, the 2026 edition features 16 competing nations, making it the biggest tournament in the competition’s history. At the same time, every participating team will compete not only for continental glory but also for qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

For South African supporters, all eyes will once again be on Banyana Banyana. After lifting their historic first WAFCON title in 2022 before falling short in the 2024 semi-finals, coach Dr Desiree Ellis and her squad travel to Morocco determined to reclaim the African crown. Consequently, expectations will once again be high for one of Africa’s most consistent women’s national teams.

WAFCON 2026 at a Glance

Tournament	TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026
Dates	26 July – 16 August 2026
Host Nation	Morocco
Teams	16
Host Cities	Rabat, Casablanca, Fès
Qualification	Top four teams qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup

Furthermore, the tournament will be played across four stadiums:

• Moulay El Hassan Stadium (Rabat)
• Al Medina Stadium (Rabat)
• Larbi Zaouli Stadium (Casablanca)
• Fès Stadium (Fès)

Why WAFCON 2026 Matters

WAFCON is far more than simply crowning Africa’s best women’s national team. Importantly, the tournament also serves as the primary qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Therefore, every match carries added significance from the opening fixture through to the final.

The four semi-finalists automatically secure their places in Brazil. Meanwhile, the losing quarter-finalists still receive another opportunity through the FIFA Play-Off Tournament. Consequently, teams cannot afford slow starts during the group stage, as every point could ultimately influence their route to World Cup qualification.

WAFCON 2026 Groups

The tournament features four balanced groups, with every team playing three group-stage matches before the knockout rounds begin. Additionally, only the top two teams from each group progress to the quarter-finals, making every fixture important.

1. Group A

• Morocco
• Algeria
• Kenya
• Senegal

2. Group B

• South Africa
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Burkina Faso
• Tanzania

3. Group C

• Nigeria
• Zambia
• Egypt
• Malawi

4. Group D

• Cameroon
• Ghana
• Mali
• Cabo Verde

Banyana Banyana Ready for Another Title Challenge

Banyana Banyana arrive in Morocco determined to bounce back after their 2024 semi-final exit. Although Nigeria ended South Africa’s title defence, the experience has strengthened an already talented squad. As a result, the players and coaching staff believe they are well prepared for another deep tournament run.

Furthermore, Coach Dr Desiree Ellis has built one of Africa’s most consistent national teams over the past decade, and the objectives remain clear:

• Reclaim the WAFCON title.
• Qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Furthermore, the return of Thembi Kgatlana gives South Africa one of the continent’s most dangerous attacking weapons after missing the previous tournament through injury. Meanwhile, experienced players such as Refiloe Jane, Linda Motlhalo, Lebohang Ramalepe, Karabo Dhlamini, Bambanani Mbane and Noxolo Cesane provide valuable leadership throughout the squad.

In addition, exciting young talents including Nthabiseng Majiya and Hilda Magaia continue to strengthen South Africa’s attacking options. Likewise, several players arrive with valuable CAF Women’s Champions League experience gained with Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies. Collectively, this blend of experience and youth gives Banyana Banyana every opportunity to challenge for another continental title.

Banyana Banyana Group Stage Fixtures

South Africa have been drawn in Group B and will therefore play all three group-stage fixtures at Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca.

Date	Fixture
27 July 2026	South Africa vs Tanzania
31 July 2026	South Africa vs Côte d’Ivoire
4 August 2026	South Africa vs Burkina Faso

So on paper, South Africa will fancy their chances of progressing to the knockout rounds. However, every opponent will arrive with the same ambition of reaching the quarter-finals. Therefore, consistency, discipline and taking opportunities in front of goal will be essential throughout the group stage.

Previous WAFCON Champions

Nigeria remain the most successful nation in the competition’s history after lifting the trophy a whopping ten times. Meanwhile, South Africa made history in 2022 by winning their maiden continental title.

Year	Champions
2025	Nigeria
2022	South Africa
2018	Nigeria
2016	Nigeria
2014	Nigeria

Since the competition began in 1991, only three nations have won the WAFCON title:

• Nigeria – 10 titles
• Equatorial Guinea – 2 titles
• South Africa – 1 title

Best WAFCON Betting Sites in South Africa

As WAFCON 2026 approaches, South African football fans can expect a wide selection of pre-match and live betting markets from licensed bookmakers. Typically, these markets include match winners, total goals, both teams to score, handicaps, outright tournament winner and selected player specials where available.

Additionally, comparing odds before placing a bet can help you find better value throughout the tournament. Likewise, reviewing available markets and promotional terms before kick-off allows you to make informed betting decisions.

Furthermore, bookmakers such as 10bet and Betway have consistently demonstrated their support for women’s football through sponsorships, marketing campaigns and dedicated tournament coverage, helping to increase the visibility of the women’s game both in South Africa and internationally.

Some of our recommended licensed betting sites for football betting include 10bet, Hollywoodbets and the following:

Above all, remember to gamble responsibly. Betting is intended for persons aged 18 years or older, and you should never wager more than you can comfortably afford to lose.

Can Banyana Banyana Lift the Trophy Again?

Banyana Banyana certainly have every reason to believe another deep tournament run is possible. Not only does the squad welcome back key players, but it also combines experienced leaders with exciting emerging talent. Furthermore, coach Desiree Ellis has consistently demonstrated her ability to prepare the team for major international tournaments.

Nevertheless, WAFCON remains one of Africa’s most competitive football competitions, with traditional powerhouses such as Nigeria, Morocco, Zambia and Cameroon all expected to challenge for the title. Even so, if South Africa can build momentum during the group stage, they will once again have every opportunity to compete for continental honours while securing another appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Ultimately, football fans across South Africa will be hoping Banyana Banyana can once again make history on the biggest stage in African women’s football.

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