WAFCON 2026: Complete quarter-final pairings as favourites advance to knockout stage

Ghana’s Black Queens have joined the knockout stages of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following a hard-fought 1–1 draw against Mali in their final Group D match in Morocco.

Ghana secured second place in Group D with 4 points, finishing behind group winners Cameroon (7 points). The Black Queens now advance to the quarter-finals, where they will head to Casablanca on Sunday, August 9, 2026, to face Group C winners, the Scorchers of Malawi.

Meanwhile, Mali bowed out despite a spirited campaign, and debutants Cape Verde concluded their maiden tournament with a single point.

Earlier on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, South Africa (Banyana Banyana) also secured their spot in the quarter-finals thanks to a crucial 1–0 victory over Burkina Faso in their final Group B fixture.

South Africa endured a rocky start in Group B, opening their campaign with a 1–2 loss to Tanzania followed by a 2–2 draw against Ivory Coast. Facing a must-win situation on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Banyana Banyana delivered a crucial 1–0 victory over Burkina Faso.

The feat secured them 3rd place in Group B with four points, sending them through to the quarter-finals as one of the best third-placed teams to set up a clash against hosts Morocco in Rabat on Saturday, August 8, 2026.

Malawi stun Group C

Elsewhere, tournament dark horses Malawi sealed top spot in Group C in an odd-defying campaign alongside giants Zambia and Nigeria. Under coach Lovemore Fazili, the debutants emerged as Group C winners despite a 1–2 defeat to COSAFA rivals Zambia in their final group match.

Malawi had previously stunned 10-time champions Nigeria 3–2 before topping group minnows Egypt 3–1. Although tied on points and goal difference with Zambia, Malawi finished top on the head-to-head tiebreaker of goals scored in matches between the tied teams.

Nigeria, on their part, thrashed Egypt 6-2 on Thursday, August, in a match-up to qualify.

The quarterfinal action will kick off on Saturday, August 8, 2026.

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