The first legs are complete in almost all ties played in the first round of qualifying for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations and Friday's action saw six matches played.
East Africa was the most involved region with Kenya and Rwanda facing stern tests at home against higher ranked North African opposition. In Kigali, hosts Rwanda fell to a 0-1 defeat against favorites Egypt. Al Ahly's Habiba Essam dribbled around the goalkeeper before rolling in an excellent finish for the only goal in the second half before the teams meet again in Ismaila four days later.
The Harambee Starlets of Kenya showed some potential but could not find find a breakthrough against Tunisia in a 0-0 draw. Kenya were more threatening but lacked the finishing to give themselves a lead to defend for the second leg in Tunis on Wednesday.
In an all-East African duel, Uganda continued their recent success against regional rivals Ethiopia with a 2-0 victory in Kampala. Zaina Namuleme's powerful free kick in the 90th minute highlighted a late surge from the Crested Cranes that saw Fazila Ikwaput add what could be an important goal in stoppage time. Addis Ababa will host the second leg on Wednesday.
Elsewhere, heavy favorites Namibia eased past Eswatini in a 3-0 victory and Togo took down Djibouti by a 5-0 score. In a more even match, Guinea and fellow West African nation Cape Verde played to a 2-2 draw in the first leg hosted by Guinea in Senegal.
The last duel to begin in the first round involves Burundi and Burkina Faso, who will play both legs in the Malian capital of Bamako with Burundi the "host" in the first leg on Saturday. The second legs begin on Sunday, when The Gambia host Niger in Senegal with a 2-0 advantage while Sierra Leone will attempt to comeback from a 2-1 deficit against Benin in Monrovia, Liberia.
Of note is that Senegal and Malawi advanced due to the withdrawals of Chad and Congo.
First round results (1st leg)
South Sudan 0-5 Algeria
Niger 0-2 The Gambia
Botswana 0-2 DR Congo
Tanzania 3-1 Equatorial Guinea
Gabon 0-6 Mali
Angola 2-1 Zimbabwe
Benin 2-1 Sierra Leone
Kenya 0-0 Tunisia
Rwanda 0-1 Egypt
Uganda 2-0 Ethiopia
Eswatini 0-3 Namibia
Guinea 2-2 Cape Verde
Djibouti 0-5 Togo
Burundi vs Burkina Faso (Saturday)
Senegal and Malawi advance via walkover following the withdrawal of Chad and Congo.
Second Leg Fixtures
Sunday
The Gambia vs Niger
Sierra Leone vs Benin
Monday
Egypt vs Rwanda
Mali vs Gabon
Algeria vs South Sudan
Tuesday
Ethiopia vs Uganda
Zimbabwe vs Angola
Namibia vs Eswatini
Tunisia vs Kenya
Burkina Faso vs Burundi
Togo vs Djibouti
DR Congo vs Botswana
Cape Verde vs Guinea
Equatorial Guinea vs Tanzania
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