Kenya’s Harambee Starlets sealed their berth in the 2026 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after edging The Gambia 4-1 on aggregate on Wednesday, October 28, 2025.

The feat saw Beldine Odemba-coached side make history by breaking a nine-year wait, having last qualified for the games in 2016.

The WAFCON bonanza will kick off from July 5 to 26 at the top of the year.

Finished the task

Following a 3-1 advantage from the first leg played in Nairobi on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the ladies decisively finished the job at the Stade Lat Dior in Thiès, Senegal.

Just as Kenya, Malawi, and Burkina Faso will be making their second appearances at the continental games after qualifying from the final rounds of matches.

Burkina Faso edged Togo on away territory to finish off the tie, as Malawi exploited a 2-0 goal advantage from their first-leg meeting against Angola to advance.

Neighbours Tanzania’s Twiga Stars edged Ethiopia in an East African rivalry to join the 12 African teams that will be heading to Morocco.

Africa’s most successful side, Nigeria, also sealed its spot for the championship after downing the Benin Republic.

The Super Falcons will be joined by reigning champions, South Africa, for their 14th appearance in the championship.

Banyana Banyana dispatched DR Congo to secure their place in Morocco, where they will be defending their crown.

Debutantes

Meanwhile, Ghana’s Black Starlets, who defeated Egypt, advanced to the championship for a record 12 times.

West African giants Senegal also booked their ticket to the games after a narrow win over the Ivory Coast. The Senegalese are earning their spot for only their fourth appearance in 2026.

Others include Cape Verde and Malawi, who will be marking their respective debuts in the championship.

Qualifying path

The 15th edition of Africa’s biggest women’s football stage will also serve as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) qualifying path for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

Four teams will reach the semifinal, earning direct entry to the World Cup in a couple of years.

Additionally, the two best-ranked quarterfinalists will proceed to a playoff path to determine an additional winner to join the expected five slots reserved for African teams.

Nigeria

 The record African champions, with 10 titles,

 defeated Benin’s She-cheetahs in the final round fixtures to advance.

 Zambia’s She-Polopolo also secured qualification after thrashing Namibia to qualify.

The team produced a dominant 7-2 aggregate score to sink their opponents.

The team earned their record fourth consecutive appearance at the tournament, having also featured in 2018, 2022, and 2024, with their debut coming in 2014.

Key facts

Nigeria are the reigning champion and remains the most successful nation with 10 titles.

South Africa, also known as the Banyana Banyana, won their first-ever title in 2022.

Hosts Morocco will host WAFCON for the second straight time after 2022.

WAFCON 2026 Teams

1. Morocco (Host) (5th Appearance)

2. Algeria (7th Appearance)

3. Burkina Faso (2nd Appearance)

4. Cape Verde (Debutant)

5. Ghana (12th Appearance)

6. Kenya (2nd Appearance)

7. Malawi (Debutant)

8. Nigeria (14th Appearance)

9. Senegal (4th Appearance)

10. South Africa (14th Appearance)

11. Tanzania (3rd Appearance)

12. Zambia (5th Appearance)