As the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations gets underway in Morocco, 16 teams will battle for continental glory and places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The rankings, published on Friday by ESPN Africa, assessed each team’s chances ahead of the continental showpiece in Morocco, where the finalists will also compete for places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons remain the team to beat heading into the tournament. As defending champions and record 10-time winners, they boast the deepest squad, winning mentality and unmatched pedigree in African women’s football, with anything short of an 11th title expected to be viewed as a disappointment.
Morocco follow closely, playing at home for the third consecutive WAFCON with quality, momentum and strong home support behind them. Led by African Women’s Footballer of the Year Ghizlane Chebbak, the hosts are expected to mount another serious title challenge.
South Africa’s Banyana Banyana remain among Africa’s elite, fielding a balanced squad under experienced coach Desiree Ellis, with the return of Thembi Kgatlana adding firepower to a team considered capable of going all the way. Ghana, meanwhile, have rediscovered their rhythm under Kim Bjorkegren, blending experienced campaigners with exciting young talent to emerge as one of the tournament’s strongest contenders.
Zambia bring one of Africa’s most dangerous attacks, powered by stars like Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji, though defensive concerns linger despite their quality. Senegal, who impressed at the previous tournament, remain difficult opponents thanks to an experienced squad and direct playing style capable of troubling any team in Morocco. Algeria continue to improve under Farid Benstiti, with disciplined defending and tactical organisation marking them as one of the tournament’s dark horses.
Cameroon, though no longer the powerhouse they once were, remain competitive and experienced enough to spring surprises against stronger opponents. Ivory Coast, returning to WAFCON after a 12-year absence, arrive with confidence, athleticism and attacking quality that could see them emerge as one of the tournament’s surprise packages. Mali, despite poor recent form, still possess enough individual quality and European-based talent to compete for a place in the knockout stages.
Egypt are back at WAFCON after a decade away and still rebuilding, though they have shown signs of progress, with escaping the group stage representing a positive campaign. Burkina Faso secured qualification comfortably and have developed into a well-organised side, though they may struggle against Africa’s strongest teams. Cape Verde, making their tournament debut, have already exceeded expectations simply by qualifying, and their attacking spirit could produce a few surprises despite limited experience.
Tanzania are disciplined and difficult to break down but lack the star quality needed to compete consistently against the tournament’s heavyweights. Malawi, boosted by the Chawinga sisters’ attacking threat, face a daunting group as tournament newcomers and lack squad depth. Kenya round out the list, marking a return to WAFCON after a 10-year absence that is itself considered a major achievement, though limited experience at this level makes them the tournament’s biggest underdogs.
