A Continental Showdown in Morocco
Former Duke women's soccer standouts Toni Payne and Dieynaba Ndaw have earned spots on the national teams that will contest the 2026 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, bringing Duke’s legacy to the heart of African football.
The tournament is set to run from July 26 through August 16, featuring 16 national squads across host cities including Rabat and Casablanca. This edition promises a showcase of emerging talent from across the continent as teams battle for continental supremacy.
Nigeria, the reigning champion, has placed Toni Payne in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi. The group stage fixtures will see Nigeria face each of those opponents in a round‑robin format, with the top two advancing to the knockout rounds.
Senegal, guided by Dieynaba Ndaw, finds itself in Group A with the host nation Morocco, Algeria and Kenya. Their matches against those teams will determine progression to the knockout rounds, adding a competitive edge to the tournament.
Knockout play is slated for August 8‑9 with the quarterfinals, followed by semifinals on August 12 and the championship match on August 16. As the schedule unfolds, the excitement builds toward a dramatic conclusion that will crown the champion of African women's football.