Two clashes from the first round of qualifying for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations have been settled following Monday's two second leg matches.
The Amazons of Benin had no issues with Sierra Leone at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia, Liberia. Star forward Aude Gbedjissi, scorer of both goals in the 2-1 first leg victory hosted by Benin in Togo, added another goal from the penalty spot late on.
Earlier goals from Germaine Honfo and Marguerite Ahouassou had put the Amazons beyond reach. Benin now have their opportunity to take on an African women's football powerhouse when they face neighbors Nigeria in the second round with the winner qualifying for the finals in Morocco.
Monday was an all-West African affair with The Gambia joining Benin in booking their ticket to the second round. Following a 2-0 first leg victory for The Gambia in Niger last week, Senegal hosted the second leg for their neighbors in which a 2-1 result left Gambia as 4-1 aggregate winners.
All three goals on Monday were scored in the opening half hour with the Gambians never in danger of surrendering their first leg lead. Mbassey Darboe opened the scoring in the 11th minute before the Nigerien team responded soon after. However, qualification for the second round was well secured following star Fatou Kanteh's goal in the 24th minute and The Gambia will face the winner of the duel between Tunisia and Kenya (0-0 first leg result).
Of note is that Sunday's final first leg saw Burkina Faso defeat Burundi in Bamako, Mali. A thunderous long range strike from a free kick by Madina Traoré (watch below). The two teams will meet again in the Malian capital on Wednesday for the second leg.
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