WAFCON 2026: Red Card Drama in Group C Sets the Stage for Massive Sunday Group D Clashes

High drama and numerical disadvantages defined Matchday 2 in Group C at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where both Nigeria and Malawi held on through second-half red cards to secure essential victories.

The momentum now shifts immediately to Sunday’s action in Group D, where West African powers collide in two high-stakes fixtures featuring Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, and Cape Verde.

Nigeria revived their knockout ambitions with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Zambia. Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring in the eighth minute, but the Super Falcons were forced to play over 50 minutes with ten players after defender Oluwatosin Demehin received a straight red card following a VAR review in the 39th minute.

Nigeria’s backline withstood intense pressure from Zambia’s attack to protect the lead until the final whistle.

In the earlier Group C fixture, Malawi continued their impressive campaign by defeating Egypt 3-1.

The Scorchers built a two-goal halftime advantage through Rose Kabzere and Faith Chinzimu before defender Rose Alufandika was sent off in the 52nd minute.

Despite the setback, Temwa Chawinga extended Malawi’s lead in the 68th minute before Egypt managed a late consolation goal.

With Group C setting a high bar for drama, attention turns to Sunday’s Group D double-header as teams fight for control of the group standings:

Ghana vs Cameroon (8:00 PM EAT)

The headline fixture of the day brings together two traditional powerhouses following their opening matchday wins.

Ghana’s Black Queens earned a comfortable 2-0 win over Cape Verde in their opener, while Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses edged Mali 2-1 thanks to a brace from Ngah Manga. With both sides tied on three points, Sunday’s showdown will likely decide who takes sole possession of top spot in Group D.

Mali vs Cape Verde (11:00 PM EAT)

The late kickoff features two sides aiming to recover from opening match defeats. Tournament debutants Cape Verde showed flashes of promise against Ghana and will seek their first-ever tournament points.

They face a disciplined Mali squad that created several chances against Cameroon and will look to sharpen their clinical edge to stay alive in the race for the quarter-finals.

Group D Schedule (Sunday, August 2);

Ghana vs Cameroon – 8:00 PM EAT

Mali vs Cape Verde – 11:00 PM EAT