The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations could hardly have asked for a better start. Across the opening round of fixtures, fans witnessed surprise results, breathtaking individual performances, goals, and plenty of early statements from teams hoping to lift Africa’s biggest women’s football prize.

One Matchday into the expanded 16-team tournament, every group already has a fascinating storyline.

Matchday One Results

Group A

• Algeria 2-0 Senegal
• Morocco 4-0 Kenya

Group B

• South Africa 1-2 Tanzania
• Ivory Coast 4-1 Burkina Faso

Group C

• Zambia 6-0 Egypt
• Nigeria 2-3 Malawi

Group D

• Ghana 2-0 Cape Verde
• Cameroon 2-1 Mali

The biggest shock undoubtedly came in Group C, where tournament favourites and defending champions Nigeria were beaten 3-2 by WAFCON debutants Malawi. It was a result that instantly threw the competition wide open and reminded everyone that reputations alone will not win matches.

Players Who Lit Up Matchday One

1. Barbra Banda (Zambia)

Barbra Banda was unquestionably the star of the opening round. The Zambia captain scored four goals and provided one assist in the Copper Queens’ emphatic 6-0 victory over Egypt. Her movement, composure in front of goal and relentless pressing made it difficult for the Egyptian defence. She also became the first player since 2016 to score four goals in a single WAFCON match, immediately putting herself at the top of the Golden Boot race.

2. Temwa Chawinga (Malawi)

Temwa Chawinga produced one of the tournament’s defining moments by scoring twice as WAFCON debutants Malawi stunned defending champions Nigeria 3-2. Her pace, finishing and intelligent runs constantly exposed the Nigerian defence, helping deliver one of the biggest upsets in the competition’s history.

3. Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi)

While Temwa grabbed the goals, Captain Tabitha Chawinga orchestrated Malawi’s attack. Her leadership, creativity and ability to carry the ball forward were crucial in keeping Nigeria under pressure throughout the contest. The Chawinga sisters were the driving force behind Malawi’s historic victory.

4. Racheal Kundananji (Zambia)

Overshadowed slightly by Banda’s four-goal haul, Kundananji still produced an outstanding display. Her pace and direct running repeatedly stretched Egypt’s defence, and she combined brilliantly with Banda as Zambia recorded the biggest victory of Matchday One.

5. Diana Msewa (Tanzania)

Tanzania’s historic victory over South Africa was inspired by a fearless performance from Diana Msewa. The forward opened the scoring with a composed finish before the Twiga Stars went on to secure a famous 2-1 win, one of the biggest upsets of Matchday One. Her pace, intelligent movement and clinical finishing kept the South African defence on edge throughout the contest, earning her the Player of the Match award. Msewa’s display not only announced her arrival on one of Africa’s biggest stages but also underlined Tanzania’s ambition to challenge the continent’s established powers.

The Biggest Talking Points

Malawi’s historic statement

The biggest conversation across African football is undoubtedly Malawi. Making their WAFCON debut, they stunned defending champions Nigeria with fearless attacking football. It was arguably one of the greatest debut performances in the competition’s history.

Hosts Morocco look comfortable

With home expectations weighing heavily on them, Morocco handled the pressure well. The Atlas Lionesses looked organised, composed and efficient, giving their supporters every reason to believe another deep tournament run is possible.

Zambia mean business

Few teams possess Zambia’s attacking firepower, and they wasted little time proving it. With Banda leading the line and quality all over the pitch, they already look like genuine title contenders.

No Easy Games Anymore

Perhaps the biggest lesson from Matchday One is how competitive African women’s football has become. Traditional powerhouses can no longer expect straightforward victories, while debutants and emerging nations are showing they belong on this stage.

Matchday Two Fixtures

Thursday, July 30

• Senegal vs Kenya
• Morocco vs Algeria

Friday, July 31

• South Africa vs Ivory Coast
• Burkina Faso vs Tanzania

Saturday, August 1

• Egypt vs Malawi
• Nigeria vs Zambia

Sunday, August 2

• Ghana vs Cameroon
• Mali vs Cape Verde

With the opening round producing several surprises, Matchday Two already carries enormous significance. Nigeria face immediate pressure to respond after their shock defeat, while Malawi have the opportunity to edge closer to an unforgettable quarter-final qualification. Elsewhere, South Africa and Ivory Coast meet in what could decide Group B, and Ghana Cameroon promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the group stage.

If Matchday One is anything to go by, WAFCON 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and entertaining editions the tournament has ever seen.

Photo Credit: Football Association of Zambia (FAZ)