Super Falcons begin WAFCON title defence against Malawi on Sunday

The highly anticipated 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) officially kicks off in Morocco, with continental giants Nigeria’s Super Falcons beginning their quest for a record-extending 11th title. The Super Falcons, a formidable force in African women's football, are scheduled to face Malawi in their opening fixture on Sunday. This tournament, initially slated for March, promises thrilling encounters as 16 nations vie for supremacy and crucial qualification spots for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. Adding significant regional interest for Zambian football enthusiasts, the Copper Queens, Zambia's national women's team, are also poised to make a strong challenge in this expanded WAFCON format. Drawn into Group C, a formidable quartet that includes defending champions Nigeria, Egypt, and Malawi, Zambia's opening match will be against Egypt on Tuesday, July 28th. The Copper Queens have been diligently preparing for the tournament, including warm-up matches against Algeria, and have already arrived in Morocco, signaling their readiness for the continental showpiece. Zambia enters the WAFCON with considerable momentum, having become one of Africa's fastest-rising teams in women's football. Their journey includes a historic third-place finish in the 2022 WAFCON and a debut appearance at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, making them the first landlocked African nation to qualify for a senior World Cup. Key players like Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, who are among the highest-paid female footballers globally and play in top international leagues, are expected to lead Zambia's charge. The tournament itself holds immense significance, not only for continental bragging rights but also as the primary qualification pathway for the 2027 Women's World Cup. The four semifinalists will automatically secure berths, while losing quarterfinalists will compete in playoffs for additional inter-confederation playoff spots. This heightened stakes ensure that every