The official draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 officially took place on Thursday at the King Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco. With the tournament expanded to a record 16 teams, excitement is already building ahead of the continental showpiece, scheduled from 17 March to 3 April 2026.
The draw also carries added significance: the competition will double as the African qualifiers for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, making every group stage match a vital step toward global glory. South Africa were drawn into Group B alongside Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania, a group that immediately raised eyebrows across the continent. WAFCON POOL DRAW
But for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies and Banyana Banyana’s experienced goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, the focus goes far beyond group permutations.
“It’s a very tough group, a difficult group and it’s not going to be easy but we just have to believe in ourselves extremely hard. As a team collectively and individually [we have to] work towards the goal of helping each other achieve greatness as a country and making sure that we work extremely hard so that we can win our group and advance.”
From the last line of defence, Dlamini understands pressure better than most. Group-stage football leaves little margin for error, especially in a tournament that also doubles as qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
“It’s not about the group,” she said. “The bigger picture here is about qualifying for the World Cup.”
Dlamini, who has been a regular in the national team setup was quick to emphasise that confidence must be earned on the training ground, not assumed on paper. Despite being one of the senior figures in the squad, Dlamini insists selection remains a personal battle:
“Firstly, I still need to work hard to be in the team and have my name mentioned as one of the names to represent South Africa, “ she said.
“The aim here is to qualify for the world cup. There’s 16 teams now and that means there’s more countries given an opportunity to represent their countries at the highest level in Africa and at the world cup. That’s where every girl’s dream is.”
She stressed that tactical decisions and match approaches rest with the coaching staff, underlining trust in the technical team, she said: “The approach of the game lies with the coach and the technical team. As players, we take everything from them and execute it.”
According to Masadawana’s number one shot stopper, the significance of World Cup qualification extends beyond national pride.
“The World Cup gives you an opportunity to grow because you’re going to meet the highest level of competitors. You become one of them, and that makes you grow whether you like it or not,” Dlamini explained.
She also highlighted the role of the World Cup as a significant gateway for future generations.
“It creates more opportunities. It gives that young girl who wants to play overseas the chance to be seen.”
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