The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations enters its knockout phase Saturday with two quarterfinals that could produce the first two teams to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Côte d’Ivoire face Algeria at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca before hosts Morocco take on South Africa in Rabat.
The winners will book semifinal places and automatic World Cup tickets, while the losers will enter the playoff route for another chance to reach Brazil.
Côte d’Ivoire topped Group B after collecting seven points from three matches, including a 2-1 victory over Tanzania in their final group game.
Algeria finished second in Group A behind hosts Morocco and will hope their defensive organisation can frustrate the Ivorians.
The match gives both nations an opportunity to reach the semifinals and move within one victory of a place in the WAFCON final.
The night’s biggest fixture sees Morocco face South Africa in a repeat of the 2022 final, when Banyana Banyana won their first continental title.
The hosts topped Group A with seven points and will have home support behind them, while South Africa recovered from a difficult group campaign to beat Burkina Faso 1-0 and secure second place in Group B.
For Morocco, Ghizlane Chebbak remains a key figure, while South Africa can rely on the experience of coach Desiree Ellis and forward Thembi Kgatlana.
With the World Cup at stake, there is little room for caution.
Two teams will leave Saturday with a direct route to Brazil, while two others will have to fight again.
Comments
Add a comment