2 African countries qualify for 2027 Women World Cup playoffs

Côte d'Ivoire clinched the top position in Group B of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania on Tuesday, securing their place in the quarter-finals. South Africa followed suit, advancing with a 1-0 win against Burkina Faso. Both teams will meet in the knockout stage, with Côte d'Ivoire finishing the group phase undefeated and South Africa claiming the second spot with four points. Tanzania and Burkina Faso, each earning three points, were eliminated from the competition. Côte d'Ivoire’s victory was marked by precision and control throughout the match. The Lady Elephants took the lead in the 44th minute when Nsira Ouedraogo capitalized on an outstanding pass from Ines Konan to score the opener. The Ivorian team extended their advantage in the 68th minute after Konan converted a penalty following a foul by Tanzanian players. Despite a late consolation goal from Tanzania’s Diana Msewa in the ninth minute of added time, the result was not enough to change the outcome. Côte d'Ivoire concluded their group campaign with two wins and a draw, scoring eight goals and maintaining an unbeaten record. South Africa’s path to the quarter-finals was equally challenging. The Lady Stallions secured a crucial 1-0 win over Burkina Faso, with Thembi Kgatlana scoring the decisive goal in the 21st minute. The goal came after a well-placed cross from Fikile Magama, which Kgatlana converted effortlessly. South Africa defended resolutely in the second half, repelling persistent attacks from Burkina Faso, ensuring the narrow margin remained intact until the final whistle. The victory allowed South Africa to advance with four points, completing their group campaign with a win and a draw. Elsewhere in the tournament, Algeria and Morocco both qualified for the quarter-finals. Algeria defeated Kenya 2-0 in a match that saw captain Marine Dafeur open the scoring with a stunning long-range free-kick in the 14th minute. Lynda Bendris added a second goal in the 23rd minute after forcing a costly error from the Kenyan goalkeeper. Algeria finished second in Group A with six points, one point behind Morocco, who had secured a goalless draw against Senegal. Morocco’s draw with Senegal ensured they topped Group A with seven points, having previously won their matches against Kenya and Senegal. The quarter-final matchups have been set, with Côte d'Ivoire facing Algeria in Casablanca on Saturday at 17:00 GMT. Morocco will take on South Africa in Rabat at 20:00 GMT. On Sunday, Cameroon faces Nigeria in Casablanca at 17:00 GMT, while Malawi plays either Ghana or Mali in Rabat at 20:00 GMT, depending on the outcome of the Group D match between Ghana and Mali. The winners of these quarter-final matches will qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Côte d'Ivoire’s performance in the group stage highlighted their resurgence as a dominant force in African women’s football, having returned to the continental championship after a 12-year absence. Their ability to remain undefeated and score consistently demonstrated their readiness for the knockout rounds. South Africa’s resilience in securing a narrow victory showcased their determination to continue their title defense. Meanwhile, Algeria’s clinical performances against Kenya underscored their growing strength in the region, while Morocco’s disciplined approach in drawing with Senegal reflected their strategic depth and preparation for the upcoming challenges. The quarter-finals promise to be highly competitive, with several teams demonstrating strong performances during the group stage. Côte d'Ivoire’s experience and tactical discipline, combined with South Africa’s attacking prowess, will likely shape the dynamics of their encounter. Algeria’s ability to break down defenses and Morocco’s defensive solidity will be critical factors in their respective matches. As the tournament progresses, the focus shifts toward the knockout rounds, where each team’s strengths and weaknesses will be tested under increased pressure. The outcomes of these matches will determine which nations will represent Africa in the 2027 World Cup.