Ghana, Algeria, and Malawi each made bold strides toward WAFCON 2026 group-stage qualification after dramatic results in the first-leg qualifiers.
In Cairo, Ghana’s Black Queens put forth a clinical performance to beat Egypt 3–0, seizing control of their tie before the return in Accra. Doris Boaduwaa broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time, meeting a precise cross to open the scoring.
In the second half, Mavis Amponsah powered in a strike from the edge of the box, and Grace Asantewaa added gloss in injury time following a slick team move.
Over in Luanda, Angola and Malawi played out a goalless draw. Malawi’s forwards, including Tabitha Chawinga, tested the hosts, but Angolan keeper Rosa Ilunga denied them on several occasions.
Late in the match, Angola rattled the crossbar, keeping the tie finely poised ahead of their leg in Lilongwe.
But the biggest shock came in Bir El Djir, where Algeria handed powerhouse Cameroon a 2–1 defeat. The Greens struck twice in quick succession, first through Ghoutia Karchouni, then a spectacular free-kick from Marine Dafeur following a red card to Cameroon’s Claudia Dabda.
Though Ajara Nchout Njoya pulled one back from the spot in stoppage time, it proved insufficient to derail Algeria’s upset.
All three ties remain open, and next week’s return legs promise fireworks as teams fight for a place in the group stage.
