Cape Verde and Malawi are poised to make their initial appearances at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) after qualifying for next year’s tournament alongside the current champions, Nigeria.

Before their second-round match against Angola, Malawi’s captain Tabitha Chawinga expressed that the increase of Wafcon from 12 to 16 teams presents “fantastic exposure” for nations making their first appearance at this continental event.

A decisive victory of 2-0 on aggregate allowed the Scorchers to secure their place in Morocco, with midfielder Faith Chinzimu scoring both critical goals after a goalless first leg.

Cape Verde turned things around with a 4-2 win in Bamako to clinch a 4-3 aggregate against Mali.

The accomplishment of Cape Verde’s women follows the men’s team’s qualification for the World Cup earlier this month, bringing additional joy to football fans in the nation.

Meanwhile, Nigeria, the defending champions, will defend their title after overcoming Benin with an aggregate score of 3-1, concluding with a 1-1 draw in the second leg held in Abeokuta, where Ashleigh Plumptre also scored.

Other teams that have booked their places include Kenya, who achieved a 4-1 aggregate win over The Gambia, thus marking their second appearance at the finals following a group exit in 2016.

Burkina Faso also makes their return after defeating Togo 3-0 on aggregate.

Additional confirmed nations include Algeria, Ghana, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia, and the 2022 champions South Africa. South Africa narrowly advanced against DR Congo with a late goal from Thembi Kgatlana, securing a 2-1 overall victory.

With Morocco already guaranteed to host, 12 nations have confirmed their spots in the finals, leaving four remaining slots up for grabs.

The 11 teams that didn’t progress from the second round might still qualify, thanks to the Confederation of African Football (Caf) expanding the tournament earlier this October.

Caf has yet to announce the dates for the tournament, but FIFA has indicated that the 2026 Wafcon is expected to occur between March 17 and April 3.