Seven stars to watch at Wafcon 2026 and why

The highly anticipated 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) officially kicked off on Sunday in Morocco, marking the third consecutive time the North African nation has hosted the continent's premier women's football tournament. With an expanded format featuring 16 teams, this edition promises to be the biggest and most competitive yet, serving not only as a battle for continental supremacy but also as a crucial qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists will automatically secure their berths, adding immense stakes to every match. For Zambia, the tournament holds significant promise and national expectation. The Copper Queens, under the guidance of new head coach Nora Häuptle, are considered strong contenders for the title, a testament to their growing prowess in African women's football. Their journey to Morocco saw them comfortably overcome Namibia in the qualifiers, with star forward Racheal Kundananji netting a hat-trick in the first leg. This strong qualification performance has fueled optimism among supporters who hope to see Zambia lift their first WAFCON trophy. Much of Zambia's hopes rest on the shoulders of their formidable attacking duo: captain Barbra Banda and the prolific Racheal Kundananji. Both players have garnered international acclaim, with Banda terrorising defences in the American NWSL with Orlando Pride and Kundananji making history with a world-record transfer fee to Bay FC. Their exceptional talent, speed, and goal-scoring ability make them two of the most exciting players to watch at WAFCON 2026, and their partnership is expected to be a cornerstone of Zambia's offensive strategy. The Copper Queens find themselves in Group C, a challenging pool alongside defending champions Nigeria, Egypt, and regional rivals Malawi. This group stage will test Zambia's mettle early on, but their recent form and the inclusion of both local and foreign-based talent in the provisional squad underscore their readine