Tanzania's Elizabeth Chenge is Youngest Player at WAFCON 2026

Tanzania’s Elizabeth Chenge is now the youngest player at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The Confederation of African Football announced the final squad lists for the tournament in Morocco, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

At just 15 years old, she is part of the 413 players registered by the 16 countries competing in Africa’s top women’s football event. This shows that a new generation of talent is rising on the continent.

Chenge is three years younger than Nigeria’s youngest player in the tournament, goalkeeper Fatima Oloko, who is 18.

Mali midfielder Fatoumata Diarra and Zambia forward Racheal Nachula are the oldest players this year at 40 years old. Nigeria’s oldest player is Osiachi Ohale, who will turn 35 in December.

Historic Participation

Cameroon striker Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné will make history by playing in her eighth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. This is the most appearances any player has made in the history of this competition.

CAF noted, “The confirmed squads reflect both the continued growth of women’s football across the continent and the emergence of a new generation of talented players ready to compete on Africa’s biggest stage.”

They also mentioned, “The squad lists highlight the remarkable diversity of experience across the tournament, with an age gap of 25 years separating the oldest and youngest players selected.”

Teenage Talents

CAF also pointed out other young players to watch at the tournament. Burkina Faso’s Deborah Guira, Ivory Coast’s N’Sira Safi Ouedraogo, and Mali’s Kadiatou Diarra, all born in 2008, are expected to make an impact.

The 2026 WAFCON kicks off in Morocco with 16 teams competing for the top prize. Defending champions Nigeria aim for their 11th title, which would extend their record.