by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, International, Soccer, World Cup
South Africa’s women’s national team, Banyana Banyana, have received a favourable group draw for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.
Placed in Group B, the reigning continental contenders will face Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Tanzania as they chase a top-four finish that guarantees qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
After falling short in their bid to defend the 2022 title following a semi-final exit at the last edition, head coach Desiree Ellis and her squad return with renewed determination and belief. The upcoming tournament presents an opportunity for South Africa to reclaim the crown and further cement their status among Africa’s elite in women’s football.
The draw, conducted in Rabat on Thursday evening, sees Banyana Banyana playing their group-stage matches at the Rabat Al Madina Stadium — one of the standout venues from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere.
As one of the tournament’s top four seeds, South Africa enter the competition with confidence. Their Group B opponents, while competitive, boast comparatively limited WAFCON experience. Ivory Coast have featured three times in the competition, most recently in 2014, Burkina Faso made their sole appearance in 2022, while Tanzania have participated twice, including the last finals in Morocco in August 2025.
Banyana Banyana’s pedigree at the tournament is unquestionable, having appeared in all 14 previous editions of the WAFCON. They are also one of just three nations to have lifted the trophy, alongside record champions Nigeria and two-time winners Equatorial Guinea.
With the top two teams from each of the four groups advancing to the knockout stage — where World Cup qualification will be on the line — the stakes are high. Having already featured at the last two FIFA Women’s World Cups, South Africa will be eager to maintain their presence on the global stage.
WAFCON 2026 Groups:
Group A (Rabat – Moulay Hassan Stadium): Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya
Group B (Rabat – Al Madina Stadium): South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
Group C (Casablanca): Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
Group D (Fès): Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Morocco is poised to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament expected to usher in CAF’s new four-year competition cycle. The 2028 edition will come on the heels of the final biennial AFCON, scheduled for 2027 and to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
The shift to a four-year cycle is aimed at reducing scheduling conflicts with major European competitions such as the UEFA European Championship. While future editions are currently pencilled in for 2032 and 2036, CAF is also considering alternative timelines of 2029, 2033 and 2037 to better align with the global football calendar.
CAF officials have disclosed that the first tournament under the new cycle has yet to attract any formal bids. With just over two years remaining before the competition, several countries are reportedly hesitant due to the short preparation window. Algeria is said to have ruled itself out, leaving Morocco as the leading candidate to step in should no other bids emerge.
Within CAF circles, Morocco is viewed as a potential “saviour” for the 2028 AFCON, thanks to its modern infrastructure, proven hosting experience and readiness to stage major continental events. Should the North African nation be confirmed as host, it would not only guarantee a smooth launch of the four-year cycle but also set the tone for future AFCON tournaments under the revamped format.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Ghana’s Black Queens will kick off their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) journey in Morocco with a demanding group stage schedule, playing three matches within seven days at the Fès Sports Complex.
The Queens will begin their Group D campaign against Cape Verde on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in their opening fixture of the tournament.
They will then lock horns with regional rivals Cameroon in a pivotal matchday two encounter on Saturday, March 21, 2026, a clash expected to have a major impact on qualification hopes.
Ghana’s group stage campaign will conclude on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, when they face Mali on matchday three. All three fixtures will be staged at the Fès Sports Complex in the historic city of Fès.
With familiar African opponents lined up in quick succession, the tightly packed schedule presents a stern test for the Black Queens as they target a place in the quarter-finals of the continental showpiece.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer, Uncategorized
Ghanaian music heavyweight Stonebwoy is set to thrill fans at the final Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 Fan Zone concert today, Thursday, January 16, 2026, in Rabat, Morocco, bringing the curtain down on the tournament’s cultural celebrations.
The award-winning artiste will share the stage with international stars including Burna Boy and Stormzy, further extending his impressive run of performances at major global sporting events.
Popularly known for hits such as Manodzi, Stonebwoy has previously wowed audiences at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Fan Festival and the closing ceremony of the 13th African Games, earning a reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent and electrifying live performers.
Renowned for his energetic stage presence and ability to attract massive crowds, Stonebwoy has become a regular feature in CAF’s fan engagement programmes. His selection to headline the AFCON 2025 fan zone finale further underlines his growing influence as a global ambassador for African music.
Entry to the concert at the Rabat Fan Zone is free for supporters who possess a Fan ID or a valid match ticket, offering fans a chance to experience the grand finale of AFCON’s cultural showcase.
The concert comes in the aftermath of Morocco’s dramatic semi-final triumph over Nigeria, where the hosts edged the Super Eagles 4–2 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes. Youssef En-Nesyri converted the winning spot-kick, while missed penalties from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi proved decisive.
Attention now turns to the AFCON 2025 final, where Morocco will lock horns with Senegal on Sunday, January 18, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Nigeria, meanwhile, will battle Egypt in the third-place playoff on Saturday, January 17, at the Mohammed V Stadium.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 16, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has named Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen as his favourite striker in world football right now, lauding the forward’s passion, work rate and goal-scoring instincts.
Speaking on Rio Presents with former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, Gyan described the Galatasaray striker as a complete forward who plays with heart and commitment.
“Right now, my favourite striker is Victor Osimhen. He loves scoring goals,” Gyan said. “He plays with the heart and gives everything on the pitch. Those are the kind of strikers I admire.”
The former Black Stars skipper also expressed surprise that Europe’s elite clubs did not move for Osimhen during the last transfer window, while making a direct appeal to his beloved Manchester United to consider signing the Nigerian star.
“I’m surprised the big clubs didn’t come for him this transfer window. I am appealing to Manchester United — if only he wants to come,” he added.
Osimhen, crowned Africa’s Player of the Year in 2023, has enjoyed another outstanding campaign for both club and country. At the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the Super Eagles striker has scored four goals and provided two assists in six appearances.
However, his hopes of lifting the AFCON trophy were dashed after Nigeria suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to hosts Morocco in the semi-finals.
