Morocco’s derby with Algeria and a potentially pivotal test for holders Nigeria against Zambia are the standout fixtures as the second round of group matches at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations gets under way on Thursday.
The first set of group games has left several leading nations under pressure, with Nigeria – beaten in their opening match – already facing a significant challenge to keep their title defence on track when they meet a well-organised Zambia side on 1 August.
With only one round of fixtures played, group standings are tight across the board and this second matchday is expected to reshape the picture in the race for qualification to the knockout stages.
North African derby to ignite second round
The action begins on 30 July, when hosts Senegal face Kenya at 17:00, before a highly anticipated meeting between Morocco and Algeria at 20:00.
The all-North African clash has been singled out as one of the most attractive fixtures of the group phase, with both teams aware that a positive result could prove decisive in a compact group.
Earlier the same day, Senegal’s encounter with Kenya offers both sides an opportunity to build crucial momentum after the opening round, with every point now carrying extra weight as the group tables start to take shape.
Champions Nigeria already under pressure
Attention then turns to 1 August and the second outing of Nigeria, who were beaten in their first match of the tournament.
The defending champions, long regarded as the dominant force in African women’s football, now find themselves in a precarious position ahead of their 20:00 kick-off against Zambia.
Their opponents come into the game described as “solides”, underlining both Zambia’s physical strength and consistency, and Nigeria will need a marked improvement to avoid seeing their hopes of retaining the trophy placed in serious jeopardy as early as the group stage.
Earlier that day, Egypt meet Malawi at 17:00, with both sides looking to use their second fixture to either recover from early setbacks or consolidate encouraging starts from the opening round.
South and West African heavyweights in action
The second matchday also features key fixtures involving some of the continent’s traditional powers, starting on 31 July.
At 17:00, South Africa take on Cote d’Ivoire in a meeting between two ambitious nations aiming to assert themselves in the group. Later that evening, Burkina Faso face Tanzania at 20:00, a match that could have major implications for which side remains in contention going into the final round of group games.
The schedule concludes on 2 August, when Ghana meet Cameroon at 17:00 in a clash between two historic rivals in African women’s football. Both teams will be seeking to position themselves strongly for qualification before the final set of group fixtures.
The final game of the second round sees Mali play Cape Verde at 20:00, with the outcome likely to be crucial in determining who stays alive in the tournament heading into the decisive third matchday.
Full schedule – second round of group stage
30 July
17:00: Senegal v Kenya
20:00: Maroc v Algerie
31 July
17:00: Afrique du Sud v Cote d’Ivoire
20:00: Burkina Faso v Tanzanie
1 August
17:00: Egypte v Malawi
20:00: Nigeria v Zambie
2 August
17:00: Ghana v Cameroun
20:00: Mali v Cap Vert
With the first round completed and no team yet secure of its fate, this second set of fixtures is expected to significantly disrupt the early group order and clarify which contenders are best placed to push on towards the latter stages of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026.
