Senegal’s women’s football team gears up for Olympic qualification showdown against Tunisia
The women’s football team from Senegal is set to face Tunisia in a crucial two-legged tie as part of the second round of the African Olympic qualification tournament for the Los Angeles 2028 Games (LA28). The matches are scheduled for October 2026, marking a significant milestone in their road to potential Olympic glory.
Key details of the Olympic football qualification path
The African Olympic football qualification tournament for women will unfold in several stages, beginning on June 1, 2026 and concluding on December 4, 2027. The competition will feature five rounds of home-and-away fixtures, with the initial phase reserved for the six lowest-ranked teams in the FIFA rankings.
The opening round will see matchups such as Sudan vs Comoros, South Sudan vs Madagascar, and Mauritius vs Djibouti. From the second round onward, stronger nations like Morocco, the runners-up in the last Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), will enter the fray. Morocco will face Congo, while other top contenders like Nigeria—current African champions and already qualified for Paris 2024—could potentially clash as early as the third round.
Senegal’s journey and potential opponents in the LA28 qualifiers
The Senegalese women’s team will kick off their qualification campaign against Tunisia in October 2026. The winners of this duel will advance to face the victor of the Mali vs Benin matchup. Meanwhile, Algeria will begin their campaign in the Central African Republic, and Zambia—which participated in the Paris 2024 Olympics—will need to overcome Uganda before potentially facing Ghana in a bid to secure a third consecutive Olympic berth.
The qualification pathway is designed to be grueling, with each round bringing higher stakes and fiercer competition. For Senegal and Tunisia, this presents an opportunity to secure a historic spot in the Olympic Games, while other African nations chase their own dreams of LA28 qualification.
Why these Olympic qualifiers matter for African football
Securing a place in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics is a monumental achievement for any African nation. The tournament not only offers the chance to compete on a global stage but also serves as a platform to elevate the profile of women’s football on the continent. With rising talent and growing investment, African teams are increasingly becoming forces to reckon with in international competitions.
The LA28 qualifiers are more than just matches—they represent a pathway to Olympic glory, the development of homegrown talent, and the chance to inspire the next generation of footballers across Africa.