2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations: Playoff offers last chance for World Cup quarter-finalists

13.08.26 16:00 Africa Women Cup of Nations

South Africa W

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Nigeria W

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The 2026 Morocco Women's Africa Cup of Nations doesn't stop at the semi-finals. Starting Thursday, four teams ousted in the quarter-finals will be handed a final lifeline to keep their dreams of Women's World Cup qualification alive. At the Larbi Zaouli Stadium and the Moulay Rachid Stadium, Ivory Coast, Ghana, South Africa, and Nigeria will play their season-defining match in just 90 minutes.

Casablanca hosts the last-chance showdowns

After Sunday's quarter-final clashes, the picture at the top is clear, but it's a tough reality for those at the bottom. The losers haven't had their last word yet, as CAF has set up playoffs granting access to the continental play-off for FIFA World Cup qualification.

It's all set for Thursday, August 13, in Casablanca. Kick-off at 17:00 GMT as Ivory Coast take on Ghana at Larbi Zaouli Stadium. It's a charged West African derby that will push both sides to quickly forget the sting of early elimination. Ivory Coast fell 1-2 to Algeria on Saturday. Meanwhile, Ghana suffered a shock 2-1 defeat on Sunday at the hands of Malawi, who continue their incredible run.

The action continues at 20:00 GMT when Moulay Rachid Stadium hosts South Africa against Nigeria. Two of the continent's powerhouses find themselves in an unexpected position, and both will have to give it everything they've got to avoid final elimination. South Africa bowed out of the quarter-finals at the hands of the Moroccan hosts, losing 2-1. As for the Nigerian giants, they suffered a 0-1 defeat to a resilient Cameroon.

Two spots up for grabs

A new lifeline opens up for the quarter-finalists who fell short. The winner of each match will earn a place in the continental play-off. The road to the Women's World Cup—Brazil 2027—will be long and grueling.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

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