The 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has reached the quarterfinal stage, with the top eight teams of the continent confirmed following an intense group stage campaign that delivered 45 goals across 18 matches.

Defending champions South Africa remain in the hunt to retain their crown, while former winners Nigeria have advanced with authority. Host nation Morocco have also shown their strength, as the focus now shifts to the knockout rounds beginning this Friday, July 19.

Group Stage Summary

Group A saw host nation Morocco top the standings after collecting seven points from their three matches. The Atlas Lionesses opened the tournament with a 2–1 win over Senegal before being held to a goalless draw by Zambia. A final-day 3–1 victory over Ghana sealed their progression as group winners. Zambia joined them in the quarterfinals after finishing second, also on seven points but behind on goal difference. Senegal, with three points, advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.

In Group B, Nigeria lived up to their reputation with a commanding campaign. The Super Falcons collected seven points without conceding a single goal, defeating Burkina Faso and Cameroon and drawing with Algeria. Algeria, meanwhile, secured their spot in the knockout round with five points, registering one win and two draws to finish as runners-up. Cameroon failed to progress, finishing third on three points but missing out on qualification due to goal difference.

Group C was led by the reigning champions South Africa, who produced a convincing display across all three matches. Banyana Banyana collected seven points, defeating Malawi and Mali and drawing with Ghana. Ghana also advanced after finishing second with five points, while Mali qualified as the second-best third-placed team, ahead of Senegal on goal difference.

Quarterfinal Fixtures

The eight teams advancing to the quarterfinals are Morocco, Zambia, Senegal, Nigeria, Algeria, South Africa, Ghana and Mali. The four knockout matches are as follows:

Nigeria vs Zambia Date: Friday, July 19 | Venue: Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca

Nigeria, unbeaten in the group stage and yet to concede, face a high-scoring Zambian side led by Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji. This fixture is a rematch of the 2022 third-place playoff, which Zambia won 1–0.

Morocco vs Mali Date: Friday, July 19 | Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat

The hosts look to continue their momentum in front of a home crowd, while Mali will rely on their physicality and pace in wide areas to cause problems. Morocco are unbeaten in the tournament so far and have shown composure in tight games.

Algeria vs Ghana Date: Saturday, July 20 | Venue: Berkane Municipal Stadium, Berkane

Algeria are into the knockout phase for the first time in their history and will be up against a Ghanaian side that has impressed with their structure and pressing game. The Black Queens are looking to reach their first semifinal since 2016.

South Africa vs Senegal Date: Saturday, July 20 | Venue: Stade de l’Honneur, Oujda

Banyana Banyana are aiming for a second consecutive WAFCON title under Desiree Ellis. Senegal, however, have shown tactical growth and resilience, advancing as one of the best third-placed teams. The West Africans will look to frustrate and counter against a more experienced South African unit.

Defending Champions on Track

South Africa have handled their group stage campaign with maturity and discipline. Led by captain Refiloe Jane and guided by the tournament’s most experienced coach in Desiree Ellis, the defending champions look balanced across all departments. Their ability to control possession and find goals from midfield remains a key feature of their play. With Bambanani Mbane commanding the defence and Jermaine Seoposenwe providing width and direct running, South Africa will be confident going into the quarterfinals.

Nigeria’s Statement of Intent

The Super Falcons have once again underlined their pedigree, finishing top of Group B without conceding a goal. Coach Randy Waldrum’s side have combined defensive organisation with attacking clarity, and with Asisat Oshoala back in form, they remain the team to beat. Nigeria have won the WAFCON nine times and are looking to reclaim the title they lost in 2022.

Zambia’s Golden Generation

Zambia’s rise in African women’s football continues. After finishing third two years ago, they returned with even more quality and purpose. Banda and Kundananji have already scored vital goals in the group phase, and Bruce Mwape’s team has shown resilience, most notably in their draw against the hosts. A quarterfinal against Nigeria will be their toughest test yet, but the Copper Queens have proven they are not afraid of big moments.

Host Nation Carries the Nation’s Hope

Morocco have built on the foundations of their run to the 2022 final. This time, they have shown more balance and attacking depth. Chebbak remains a central figure, but the emergence of new attacking options has strengthened their hand. Morocco’s ability to dictate tempo and their growing confidence at home make them a strong candidate for a return to the semifinals.

What’s at Stake

Beyond a place in the semifinals, the quarterfinal winners will also be looking to secure qualification to the 2025 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers with strong seeding. For teams like Algeria and Mali, this stage represents history. For Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa, it’s about legacy.

And for Morocco, the weight of expectation is matched by the opportunity to write another chapter on home soil.The WAFCON 2024 quarterfinals begin this Friday. From now on, there are no second chances. Only performances worthy of the crown will survive..