The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco is set to be a historic tournament that will witness 16 teams taking part in the tournament for the first time in history.
The competition will serve as a great proving ground for emerging regional stars to rub shoulders with established superstars. Crucially, all four semi-finalists will secure automatic tickets to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
Ahead of the tournament start date on July 26th, Striver.Football sought to bring you a list of one player from every participating side you should be on the lookout for heading into the continental showpiece.
Group A
Morocco - Ghizlane Chebbak (Midfielder)
The reigning African Women’s Footballer of the Year is the very heartbeat of the Atlas Lionesses.
At 35, Chebbak has finished as the top scorer at the last two continental tournaments. Operating as a master orchestrator from deep midfield, her deadly set-piece delivery and clinical leadership are central to Morocco’s quest to lift their first-ever major title on home soil.
Having won the most valuable player of the tournament in 2022, she will be keen to continue where she left off.
Algeria - Ghoutia Karchouni (Midfielder)
Algeria's return to the big stage leans heavily on the tactical refinement of midfielder Ghoutia Karchouni.
With a club pedigree that boasts stints at French giants Paris Saint-Germain and Italy's Inter, Karchouni injects elite decision-making and calmness into the Algerian engine room, making them a structurally rigid side that is highly difficult to break down.
Senegal - Nguenar Ndiaye (Striker)
The Teranga Lionesses are known for their physical, direct, and unapologetic style of play. Spearheading that frontline is Nguenar Ndiaye, a powerful striker capable of physically overwhelming center-backs.
Her ability to hold up the ball, stretch lines with tireless runs, and convert half-chances makes Senegal a dangerous spoiler capable of causing major upsets.
Kenya - Mwanalima Adam (Midfielder)
Affectionately known to fans as "Dogo," Mwanalima Adam, who will captain Kenya’s Harambee Starlets is the spearhead of Kenya's transition-heavy counter-attack.
Making their first appearance at the tournament after missing out on the chance in 2016 due to school commitments, Harambee Starlets will look to their versatile captain’s experience, leadership and versatility to keep the team functioning smoothly and give them a variety of tactical options in-game, given the fiercely competitive nature of group A.
Group B
South Africa - Thembi Kgatlana (Forward)
The 2018 African Player of the Year and catalyst of South Africa's historic 2022 WAFCON triumph is back, determined to help her country reclaim the title.
Currently playing for Tigres UANL, Thembi Kgatlana possesses a devastating first step and relentless work ethic that consistently unlocks elite defensive backlines.
She provides Banyana Banyana with the clutch goalscoring instinct required for another deep tournament run.
Ivory Coast - Rosemonde Kouassi (Winger)
A highly explosive winger currently starring for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL, Rosemonde Kouassi is a nightmare for opposing fullbacks.
Her elite flair, rapid speed change, and lethal 1v1 isolation skills allow the Ivorian side to seamlessly transform deep defensive blocks into high-velocity goalscoring chances.
Burkina Faso - Alimata Belem (Defender)
While younger attackers flash potential, center-back Alimata Belem is the undisputed pillar of Burkina Faso's defence.
Her highly publicized summer transfer to NWSL side Washington Spirit from Eibar underscores her status as one of Africa's fastest-rising defensive stars. Her positioning and spatial awareness will be severely tested in Group B.
Tanzania - Opa Clement (Forward)
Tanzania's Twiga Stars enter the tournament on a massive wave of domestic growth, and forward Opah Clement is the primary beneficiary.
Now playing for Liga MX Femenil club Juarez, Clement’s instincts inside the 18-yard box and clinical finishing at the regional level make her the focal point of an ambitious Tanzanian side eager to make a statement on the big stage.
Group C
Nigeria - Rasheedat Ajibade (Forward)
The captain of the defending champions and Atletico Madrid star is widely regarded as one of the finest overall footballing talents on the planet.
Rasheedat Ajibade, who recently joined Paris Saint-Germain, combines a relentless defensive tracking engine with clinical playmaking vision and elite pace.
Her mental toughness anchors a Super Falcons squad chasing an 11th crown.
Zambia - Barbra Banda (Striker)
Currently terrorising domestic networks in the NWSL with the Orlando Pride, Barbra Banda is arguably the most physically dominant, clinical, and terrifying striker in women's professional football.
Her vertical aerial presence, sheer strength, and world-class speed make the Copper Queens' frontline an elite offensive unit.
Malawi - Temwa Chawinga (Striker)
Malawi may enter as tournament debutants, but they boast a truly world-class weapon. Temwa Chawinga absolutely lit up the NWSL with the Kansas City Current, securing the 2025 Golden Boot with 15 goals in 23 games.
Partnering with her igualmente prolific sister, Tabitha Chawinga of Lyon, her sibling chemistry threatens to disrupt Group C entirely.
Egypt - Sarah Essam (Forward)
Affectionately dubbed the Egyptian Messi, the pioneering forward provides a vital injection of top-tier international exposure for a developing Pharaohs squad.
Facing an extraordinarily brutal draw against regional giants, Essam's clever hold-up play and composure under heavy pressure will be vital for Egypt's survival.
Group D
Ghana - Doris Boaduwaa (Forward)
Ghana's historic Black Queens are experiencing a vibrant modern renaissance under manager Kim Bjorkegren.
Driving that structural creativity is Doris Boaduwaa, an incredibly dynamic forward who operates smoothly for Hapoel Jerusalem. Her vision, spatial awareness, and flair provide the essential link between a physical midfield and a fast attacking line.
Cameroon - Gabrielle Aboudi Onguene (Striker)
While Ajara Nchout Njoya brings massive star power, it is the legendary Gabrielle Aboudi Onguene who is still the spiritual heart and soul of the Indomitable Lionesses.
Competing at the absolute peak of continental football for over a decade, the Spartak Moscow veteran’s timeless positional awareness, grit, and clutch striking power keep Cameroon firmly in the title conversation.
Mali - Aissata Traore (Forward)
Mali enters Group D as a highly dangerous outlier, and Aissata Traore is tipped to be key if Mali are to make it to the semi-finals, something they actually achieved in 2018, with the Boston Legacy forward playing a key role.
She is a forward that possesses raw vertical acceleration with ruthless finishing inside the penalty area, qualities that will be key if they are to make it to the knockout stages.
Cape Verde - Ivania Moreira (Forward)
Historic debutants Cape Verde will look to catch their heavyweight opponents off guard with a high-energy, fearless defensive pressing strategy.
Much like their male counterparts took the world by surprise at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, they will be hungry to cement their own legacy at the first attempt.
One of the players that could be key for them is forward Ivania Moreira, who carries the historical goalscoring aspirations and leadership responsibilities on her shoulders, acting as the primary offensive outlet whenever Cape Verde manages to spark a turnover.
