The 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco has already served up stunning goals, jaw-dropping performances and new records set but, the real battle for glory starts now.
Eight teams are left standing after the group stage, and the quarter-final matchups promise fireworks.
From big name clashes to surprise contenders, here’s a comprehensive look at each of the four quarter-final fixtures, how the teams got here, their key players, and what we can expect as they fight for a place in the semi-finals.
Nigeria vs Zambia
Venue: Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca
Kick-off: Friday, July 18 at 5:00 PM.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons, nine-time champions are in familiar territory. Unbeaten in the group stage, they topped Group B with two wins (2–0 vs Cape Verde, 1–0 vs Botswana) and a goalless draw against a stubborn Algeria side. Their strength has been built around a well-drilled backline that has yet to concede a goal.
Standing in their path is a Zambian side that boasts arguably the most dangerous attacking pair of the tournament, Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji. Both players scored in Zambia’s 3–1 win over Tanzania and were central to the team’s gritty 1–1 draw with Morocco and 2–0 win over DR Congo to finish second in Group A.
With players like Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo showing their quality for Nigeria and the experience of Asisat Oshoala leading the front line, this fixture is a mouthwatering contrast between Nigeria’s tournament pedigree and Zambia’s fearsome attacking evolution.
Morocco vs Mali
Venue: Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat
Kick-off: Friday, July 18 at 8:00 PM WAT
Host nation Morocco continues its steady rise in women’s football. The Atlas Lionesses, finalists in 2022, topped Group A with seven points, including a thrilling 2–2 draw with Zambia and comprehensive wins over Tanzania (3–1) and DR Congo (2–0). Captain Ghizlane Chebbak has once again led by example, while Fatima Tagnaout has impressed with her vision and creativity.
Mali squeezed through as one of the two best third-placed teams after finishing behind Ghana and South Africa in Group C. Their 2–2 draw with Tanzania on Matchday 3 proved enough to advance after losing to Ghana and South Africa in earlier games. While not prolific, Mali brings physicality and a structured approach, with striker Aïssata Traoré a key figure up front.
Playing in front of a passionate home crowd in Rabat, Morocco will be favourites. But they’ll have to guard against complacency, as Mali’s direct style and strength in duels could cause problems if the tempo slows.
Algeria vs Ghana
Venue: Stade Municipal de Berkane
Kick-off: Saturday, July 19 at 5:00 PM
Ghana’s Black Queens are back among the elite. After missing out on the 2022 edition, Ghana topped Group C with seven points following a dominant 4–1 win over Tanzania and a 1–1 draw against South Africa. Under coachKim Lars Björkegren, Ghana’s play has combined physicality with sharp attacking transitions. Evelyn Badu has anchored midfield excellently, while Doris Boaduwaa has scored twice in the group phase.
Algeria, meanwhile, surprised many by reaching their first-ever WAFCON quarter-final. They finished second in Group B, grinding out a goalless draw with Nigeria and narrowly defeating Cape Verde 1–0. With just one goal scored in the group stage, they are the lowest-scoring side among the quarter-finalists, but also one of the most defensively disciplined.
Ghoutia Karchouni, a standout performer in midfield, will be key to Algeria’s chances of slowing Ghana’s high-tempo attack. This game may turn into a battle of midfield controln and if Algeria can keep the scoreline tight, they could fancy their chances in a penalty shootout scenario.
South Africa vs Senegal
Venue: Stade Municipal d’Oujda
Kick-off: Saturday, July 19 at 8:00 PM WAT
South Africa, the reigning WAFCON champions, looked imperious in the group stage. A 4–0 rout of Mali was followed by a 1–1 draw against Ghana and a 1–0 win over Tanzania, leaving Banyana Banyana top of Group C on goal difference. With Linda Motlhalo, Thembi Kgatlana, and Refiloe Jane pulling the strings, the South Africans have once again shown their class.
Senegal progressed as the second-best third-placed team from Group A, having beaten DR Congo 4–0 but losing to both Morocco and Zambia. Their attack is led by Nguenar Ndiaye, who scored twice in the group stage and brings height and strength in the box.
South Africa will be expected to dominate possession, but Senegal can be dangerous on the counter. If the Teranga Lionesses can defend compactly and hit quickly in transition, there could be an upset in the making.
Will the Super Falcons reassert their dominance? Can Morocco finally deliver a title on home soil? Will we see a new challenger rise from Ghana or Zambia? Or is there room for Senegal or Algeria to surprise everyone?
