Every team has now played once at WAFCON 2026, and the tournament’s hierarchy already looks less secure than it did before kick-off.
Malawi defeated defending champions Nigeria on their tournament debut. Tanzania overcame former champions South Africa. Zambia scored six, Morocco scored four and Côte d’Ivoire marked their return after 12 years with one of the round’s most convincing victories.
Across eight matches, the opening round produced 30 goals, four winning performances without conceding and two results that will rank among the tournament’s greatest surprises. Here is everything you may have missed.
The Chawinga Sisters Created the Biggest Shock
No result changed the mood of the tournament more than Malawi’s 3-2 victory over Nigeria. The debutants remained organised through a goalless first half before Temwa and Tabita Chawinga took control. Temwa scored twice, while Tabita added Malawi’s second as the sisters gave their country a historic victory in their first WAFCON match.
Nigeria scored twice during stoppage time, but Malawi’s third goal ensured the late pressure did not destroy the result.
It was the first time a tournament debutant had defeated the reigning WAFCON champions. Nigeria must now respond against a Zambia side that produced the most dominant performance of the round.
Banda Put Zambia at the Front of the Conversation
Barbra Banda needed one match to move to the top of the scoring charts. The Zambia captain scored four goals and created another in a 6-0 victory over Egypt, directly contributing to five of her team’s six goals. Racheal Nachula opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Banda took over, with Eneless Phiri completing Zambia’s largest WAFCON victory.
Morocco also delivered a performance worthy of potential champions. Ibtissam Jraidi scored twice as the hosts defeated Kenya 4-0, moving above Algeria at the top of Group A.
Both teams were expected to challenge deep into the tournament. Their opening matches strengthened that expectation without answering how they will respond against stronger opposition.
Tanzania Turned Group B Upside Down
South Africa controlled more possession and recorded nine shots on target, but Tanzania found the moments that mattered.
Diana Msewa opened the scoring before Bambanani Mbane equalised shortly before half-time. South Africa pushed for a winner, only for substitute Hasnath Ubamba to score in the closing stages and secure a famous 2-1 victory for Tanzania.
The result became even more important when Côte d’Ivoire defeated Burkina Faso 4-1 later that evening.
Inès Konan scored twice as the Lady Elephants celebrated their first WAFCON appearance in 12 years with a clinical display. Côte d’Ivoire and Tanzania now lead Group B, leaving South Africa under immediate pressure before facing the group’s highest-scoring team.
The Other Contenders Avoided Early Trouble
Algeria opened the tournament with a valuable 2-0 victory over Senegal. Marine Dafeur converted a first-half penalty before Melissa Bethi punished a late defensive error to secure the result.
Ghana also began with a clean sheet, defeating determined debutants Cape Verde 2-0. Doris Boaduwaa scored after six minutes before an Eleia Vieira own goal gave the Black Queens greater security.
Cameroon faced a more difficult evening against Mali. Ngah Manga scored twice, including the decisive second-half penalty, to earn a 2-1 victory and keep pace with Ghana at the top of Group D.
Every WAFCON Matchday One Result
| Group | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| A | Algeria vs Senegal | 2–0 |
| A | Morocco vs Kenya | 4–0 |
| B | South Africa vs Tanzania | 1–2 |
| B | Côte d’Ivoire vs Burkina Faso | 4–1 |
| C | Nigeria vs Malawi | 2–3 |
| C | Zambia vs Egypt | 6–0 |
| D | Ghana vs Cape Verde | 2–0 |
| D | Cameroon vs Mali | 2–1 |
Who Leads Each Group?
- Group A: Morocco, ahead of Algeria on goal difference
- Group B: Côte d’Ivoire, ahead of Tanzania on goal difference
- Group C: Zambia, ahead of Malawi on goal difference
- Group D: Ghana, ahead of Cameroon on goal difference
The pattern is striking. Every group has two teams on three points and two teams still searching for their first result.
That gives the second round a clear structure. The opening winners can move closer to the quarter-finals, while Nigeria, South Africa and the other defeated teams have already lost much of their margin for error.
WAFCON 2026 began with Morocco and Zambia confirming why they were considered contenders. Malawi and Tanzania then provided a reminder that reputation offers no protection once the matches begin.
Source: CAF WAFCON 2026
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