Africa’s qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco enters a final phase this weekend, as national teams prepare for second-leg fixtures in the first round.
Several sides carry strong advantages into the return matches after commanding performances in the first leg.
Cameroon are among the standout teams, having secured a dominant 5-1 victory over Algeria. Guinea also impressed with a 5-2 win against Niger, while Burkina Faso claimed a 3-1 result over Benin.
These results leave those teams well positioned to advance, barring unexpected turnarounds in the second legs. However, not all ties are as clear-cut, with some remaining finely balanced.
Côte d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone played out a goalless draw in their opening encounter, leaving the contest wide open ahead of their next meeting. Similarly, Senegal and Tunisia remain locked after a 1-1 draw, setting up a decisive clash in the return fixture.
Attention is also turning to Accra, where Ghana will host Togo at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday. Togo’s squad has already completed preparations for the encounter, as they aim to overturn or defend their position against the Black Maidens.
The schedule for the second-leg matches spans several days and venues across the continent. On 17 April, Benin face Burkina Faso in Lomé, while Senegal take on Tunisia in Diamniadio. Côte d’Ivoire will host Sierra Leone in Yamoussoukro later the same day.
The following day features a packed lineup of fixtures. Kenya are set to meet Namibia, while Uganda play Zimbabwe and Burundi face Malawi. Ghana’s clash with Togo is among the headline fixtures, alongside Guinea’s encounter with Niger and Cameroon’s return match against Algeria.
Further matches will see Ethiopia host South Sudan and Tanzania take on Botswana on 19 April. The round concludes on 22 April, when Zambia face Rwanda in Ndola.
With qualification for the next stage at stake, teams will be aiming to capitalise on their first-leg performances or mount comebacks where necessary. For those already holding strong leads, maintaining focus will be key to avoiding surprises.
Meanwhile, evenly poised ties promise high tension and competitive football, as nations seek to keep their World Cup ambitions alive.
The coming days are expected to deliver decisive outcomes, shaping which teams move one step closer to securing a place at the tournament in Morocco.
