Africa-Press – Mauritius. The race to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals intensifies today, October 24, as the first-leg matches of the second qualifying round wrap up across the continent.
Several high-profile fixtures are set to light up African football, with teams battling for crucial advantages ahead of the return legs.
The spotlight fixture will take place in Cotonou, where Benin’s Cheetahs Ladies host the Super Falcons of Nigeria in what promises to be a thrilling West African showdown.
Nigeria, the record nine-time African champions, will be aiming to assert their dominance early, while Benin will rely on home support to spring a surprise and keep their qualification hopes alive.
Elsewhere, Senegal face Ivory Coast in Dakar in another keenly contested West African duel.
Both sides are desperate to reach the finals in Morocco, with the Lionesses of Teranga hoping to build on their growing reputation in women’s football.
In Lomé, the Sparrowhawks Ladies of Togo lock horns with Burkina Faso, while Mali and Cape Verde clash in Bamako in what is expected to be a physically demanding encounter.
East Africa will also be represented as Kenya’s Harambee Starlets host The Gambia in Nairobi.
The second round represents a decisive stage in the qualification series, as winners over two legs will book their tickets to the 2026 WAFCON finals in Morocco.
Full Fixtures for October 24
2:00 p.m. – Benin vs. Nigeria
3:00 p.m. – Kenya vs. Gambia
4:00 p.m. – Burkina Faso vs. Togo
4:00 p.m. – Cape Verde vs. Mali
5:00 p.m. – Senegal vs. Ivory Coast
With pride, qualification, and continental glory at stake, today’s matches promise to deliver drama, excitement, and memorable moments in the road to Morocco 2026.
For More News And Analysis About Mauritius Follow Africa-Press
