Wafcon 2026: Malawi’s Tabitha Chawinga sees ‘great boost’ from expansion

Kerubo Momanyi, an executive member at Football Kenya Federation, is similarly excited at the additional benefits expansion brings for teams and the message it sends about women’s football on the continent.

“[It] comes at a time when we are trying to show women that their sport is taken just as seriously as men’s,” she told BBC Sport Africa.

“The expanded format will lead to more exposure, more participation and more resources circling down to the participating teams.”

Kenya’s only previous Wafcon appearance was in 2016 in Cameroon, where they exited at the group stage without a point.

Momanyi now sees the potential of a “higher chance of qualification” from their tie against The Gambia.

“After this round of qualification we will have the third and final round where the loser (from the second round) will be able to participate for a chance to get into the final four,” she added.

While the expansion is being celebrated, Mboge also sounded a note of caution, pointing out the need to maintain high standards at the finals.

“We hope it’ll be expanded with quality because, to maintain quality performance, it is important for that to happen,” said the Gambian.

“You cannot be bringing teams that will be beaten 10-0, 11-0.

“Wafcon is really important for women’s football in Africa to grow. It will really boost participation. This is a really great opportunity.”

In August, Caf president Patrice Motsepe expressed satisfaction with the progress in African women’s football.

“I can assure you women’s football will continue to improve because that is an area we are focussing on a lot,” he said.