by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – SOUTHERN Africa’s growing influence in women’s football will again be on display in the quarter-finals of the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after Malawi, South Africa and Zambia all secured places in the knockout stages, underlining the remarkable progress the region has made over the past decade.
Their qualification is a reward for sustained investment in player development, improved domestic structures and greater exposure to international competition.
It also reinforces Southern Africa as one of the continent’s strongest footballing regions.
Defending champions South Africa have once again demonstrated why they remain among the favourites for the title.
Banyana Banyana combined tactical discipline with attacking quality throughout the group stage, controlling matches and showing the experience that carried them to continental glory in 2022.
Their balanced squad and winning mentality make them serious contenders to retain the trophy.
Zambia, meanwhile, confirmed their status as one of Africa’s fastest-rising sides.
The Copper Queens defeated neighbours Malawi 2-1 on Wednesday night to finish their group campaign on a high.
Blessed with pace, technical quality and growing confidence, Zambia possess the firepower to trouble any opponent and are widely viewed as genuine title challengers.
Although Malawi fell 2-1 to Zambia, the Scorchers still celebrated a historic achievement by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time.
Their disciplined performances throughout the tournament have highlighted the rapid development of women’s football in the country.
The achievement is expected to inspire greater investment and participation at grassroots level.
Wednesday’s other match produced the tournament’s biggest scoreline so far as Nigeria overwhelmed Egypt 6-2.
Zambia in green vs Malawi 2-1
The Super Falcons reminded rivals why they remain Africa’s most successful women’s national team, displaying attacking efficiency and championship experience.
Nigeria remain among the favourites despite facing stronger competition than in previous editions.
Hosts Morocco have also impressed with organised performances backed by passionate home support and quality technical preparation.
The Atlas Lionesses are expected to mount another serious challenge after reaching the previous final.
Elsewhere, Ghana, Cameroon and Mali remain in contention for the remaining quarter-final places, while emerging nations such as Cabo Verde have continued to demonstrate the improving competitiveness of women’s football across Africa.
The final group-stage fixtures take place on Thursday evening, with Mali facing Ghana, while Cabo Verde meet Cameroon.
Both matches could reshape the knockout-stage line-up.
With Southern Africa guaranteed three quarter-finalists, the region has already emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest success stories.
Should South Africa, Zambia and Malawi maintain their current momentum, an all-Southern African semi-final is no longer beyond imagination, while the prospect of another regional champion appears increasingly realistic as standards continue to rise across the continent.
– CAJ News