The opening round of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 has already rewritten expectations.
Within the space of a few days, the tournament has produced a stunning upset, a fearless debut from newcomers Malawi and a reminder that the balance of power in African women’s football is changing faster than ever.
For years, nations such as Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco have carried the weight of expectation whenever WAFCON begins. This time, however, it was Tanzania and Malawi who captured the headlines, proving that investment, development and belief are beginning to reshape the continental game
Tanzania Bring Down the Champions
If there was one result that sent shockwaves across Morocco, it was Tanzania’s memorable 2-1 victory over defending champions South Africa.
Banyana Banyana arrived at the tournament hoping to defend the title they won in 2022. Instead, they found themselves chasing a determined Tanzanian side that refused to be intimidated by reputation.
Disciplined without the ball and fearless going forward, Tanzania produced one of the greatest performances in their history. Every tackle, every counterattack and every goal reflected a team convinced it belonged on Africa’s biggest stage.
The final whistle sparked celebrations that extended far beyond the stadium. For Tanzania, it was more than three points—it was a statement that they are ready to compete with the continent’s elite.
For South Africa, the defeat leaves little room for error in the remaining group matches.
Malawi’s Debut Becomes One of the Tournament’s Biggest Stories
Every tournament produces a surprise package. At WAFCON 2026, that team may well be Malawi.
Making their first appearance in the competition, the Scorchers arrived without the pressure carried by the traditional favourites. What they lacked in experience, however, they made up for with courage, intensity and attacking football.
Led by the internationally respected Chawinga sisters, Malawi displayed the confidence of a team that believes its future belongs among Africa’s best.
Rather than simply celebrating qualification, Malawi embraced the challenge, earning admiration from supporters and opponents alike.
Their debut has quickly become one of the defining stories of the opening week.
Morocco and Zambia Start Strong
Tournament hosts Morocco opened their campaign in impressive fashion, defeating Uganda 4-0 before an enthusiastic home crowd.
The Atlas Lionesses combined defensive organisation with attacking quality to underline why they remain among the favourites to lift the trophy on home soil.
Zambia also made a convincing start with a 3-1 victory over Ghana, continuing the impressive progress that has established the Copper Queens as one of Africa’s most dangerous teams.
Other Opening-Day Results
Elsewhere, Algeria claimed a professional 2-0 victory over Senegal, while Cameroon and Mali shared the points in an entertaining 1-1 draw.
Tunisia edged DR Congo 2-1 in a closely contested encounter, and Egypt played out a 1-1 draw against Côte d’Ivoire.
Matchday One Results
Group A
- Morocco 4-0 Uganda
- Algeria 2-0 Senegal
Group B
- Zambia 3-1 Ghana
- Cameroon 1-1 Mali
Group C
- Tanzania 2-1 South Africa
- Nigeria vs Malawi (to be played)
Group D
- Tunisia 2-1 DR Congo
- Egypt 1-1 Côte d’Ivoire
The Bigger Picture
Perhaps the most significant takeaway from the opening round is not a single scoreline but the growing competitiveness of African women’s football.
The days when only a handful of nations could realistically dream of lifting the WAFCON trophy appear to be fading. Improved coaching, greater investment, stronger domestic leagues and increased international exposure are allowing emerging nations to challenge long-established powers.
Tanzania’s victory over South Africa and Malawi’s fearless introduction are clear examples of that evolution.
As the tournament continues, the favourites will undoubtedly respond. But the opening week has already delivered an unmistakable message.
At WAFCON 2026, reputations alone will win nothing. The new generation of African women’s football has arrived, and it is determined to make history.
