Women’s AFCON 2026 Qualifiers: South Africa clash with DRC as second-round fixtures begin

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers enter a decisive phase this week as the second-round fixtures light up the continent.

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana face a stern test against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The reigning African champions travel to Kinshasa on 22 October before hosting the Leopards Women in Johannesburg six days later.

Togo’s Sparrowhawks Women aim for a second successive qualification after their debut in 2022.

They must overcome Burkina Faso to secure their place in the continental showpiece.

Ghana’s Black Queens will face Egypt in a highly anticipated tie, while Benin’s Cheetah Ladies hope to make history against nine-time champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons.

The matches promise fierce competition as teams battle for places at the 2026 tournament.

Below is the complete second-round schedule:

First Leg Fixtures

22 October
1:00 p.m. – Namibia vs Zambia
2:00 p.m. – Tanzania vs Ethiopia
4:00 p.m. – DRC vs South Africa

23 October
3:00 p.m. – Angola vs Malawi
4:00 p.m. – Egypt vs Ghana
6:00 p.m. – Algeria vs Cameroon

24 October
2:00 p.m. – Benin vs Nigeria
3:00 p.m. – Kenya vs Gambia
4:00 p.m. – Burkina Faso vs Togo
4:00 p.m. – Cape Verde vs Mali
5:00 p.m. – Senegal vs Ivory Coast

Return Fixtures

26 October
1:00 p.m. – Zambia vs Namibia

28 October
12:00 p.m. – Ethiopia vs Tanzania
1:00 p.m. – Malawi vs Angola
1:00 p.m. – Nigeria vs Benin
3:30 p.m. – Ghana vs Egypt
3:30 p.m. – Cameroon vs Algeria
4:00 p.m. – Togo vs Burkina Faso
4:00 p.m. – Gambia vs Kenya
5:00 p.m. – Mali vs Cape Verde
5:00 p.m. – South Africa vs DRC
7:00 p.m. – Ivory Coast vs Senegal

Each nation approaches the round with determination as the road to Morocco 2026 intensifies.

The two-legged ties will determine which teams earn a coveted place in the Women’s AFCON finals.

South Africa, under pressure to defend their crown, seek a strong start in Congo before sealing qualification at home.

The DRC, meanwhile, hope to exploit their home advantage in the first leg.

Ghana’s Black Queens want to reaffirm their continental pedigree after missing recent tournaments.

Egypt’s Pharaohs Ladies, backed by home support in Cairo, aim to upset the experienced Ghanaian side.

Benin’s Cheetah Ladies face an uphill battle against Nigeria’s Super Falcons, who remain favourites after years of dominance in African women’s football.

Togo’s Sparrowhawks will rely on their resilient spirit against a well-organised Burkina Faso side.

Cameroon and Algeria’s contest promises intensity, while Senegal’s meeting with Ivory Coast will highlight West Africa’s rising women’s football rivalry.

Every fixture offers a chance for nations to write their own story on the road to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The coming days will reveal who steps closer to Morocco and who falls short in this decisive stage of qualification.