WAFCON 2026: Eight Teams Eliminated as Mali Joins Exit After Ghana Draw

WAFCON 2026 sees eight teams eliminated from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with Mali the latest to exit after a 1-1 draw against Ghana in their final Group D match on August 5. The draw left Mali in third place behind group winners Cameroon and runners-up Ghana, who advance to the quarterfinals.

Cameroon, who conceded only one goal in three group matches, will now face Nigeria in the last eight. Ghana, meanwhile, is set to play Malawi after finishing second in Group D. Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Egypt, Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania and Zambia also failed to progress from the group stage.

The early exits of traditional contenders like Senegal and Egypt highlight the tournament's unpredictability. For Nigeria, a quarterfinal clash against Cameroon—who topped Group D undefeated—presents a stern test of their title ambitions, especially given the Indomitable Lions' defensive organization.

With Nigeria’s attack needing to penetrate Cameroon’s resilient backline, can the Super Eagles find the cutting edge to upset the favorites and keep their WAFCON 2026 hopes alive?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/07/wafcon-2026-8-countries-eliminated-from-competition/