2028 Olympic Qualifiers (Women): Algeria and Côte d'Ivoire reach the 3rd round before the October 13 return legs

African women's football is competing this week for a spot in the third round of qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games: after the first-leg matches played on October 8 and 9, 2026, the second-round return legs are scheduled for October 13, with two teams already in a strong position, Algeria and Côte d'Ivoire.

Eight goals in Algiers, four in Lubumbashi

At the 5 July 1962 Stadium in Algiers, the Algerians dominated the Central African Republic 8-0 on October 9, leading 4-0 at halftime. According to Africa Top Sports, the goal fest was opened by an own goal from Ndoumba Yatrein (20th), followed by goals from Marine Dafeur (26th), Lina Boussaha (30th), Sofia Bekhaled (36th), Nouhad Naïli (51st), Inès Belloumou (68th), Lynda Bendris (80th), and Nesrine Bahlouli (90th+1), who scored in her very first international appearance.

On the same day, at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi, the Ivorian Elephants defeated the DR Congo Leopards 4-1. According to Radio Okapi, Serry Grâce Ruth scored twice (3rd on a penalty, 20th), while Gnaly Estelle (49th) and Fofana Karidja (53rd) added to the tally, with Anastasia Soulac having briefly given the Congolese hope in the 16th minute.

Senegal, Kenya, and Burkina Faso in ambush

The day before, on October 8, six other matches went in favor of the visitors or the favorites. Senegal won 1-0 in Radès against Tunisia, Kenya thrashed the Seychelles 11-0, Ghana won 3-0 in Mauritius, Uganda beat Zambia 2-1, Benin dominated Mali 3-1, and Burkina Faso saw off Equatorial Guinea 3-1, according to the summary published by Kawarji.

Three meetings on October 13

The Lionesses of Teranga will host the Tunisians on October 13 at 5 p.m. at the Abdoulaye-Wade Stadium in Diamniadio, according to the schedule released by Tunisie Tribune. The Ivorians will host DR Congo at the Félix-Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, and Algeria will face the Central African Republic again at 6 p.m. at the 5 July 1962 Stadium in Algiers.

The winners of these two-legged ties will advance to the third round of the African qualifiers. For women's teams that have been calling for more official matches and resources for years, each round passed is also a budgetary argument to present to their federations.