Senegal women’s football team faces Tunisia in LA28 Olympic qualifiers

The Senegalese women’s national football team is set to face Tunisia in a two-legged tie as part of the second round of the Olympic qualifying tournament for the Los Angeles 2028 Games (LA28). The matches are scheduled for October 2026, following the draw that took place on April 29, which established the full schedule for the African Women’s Olympic Football Qualification Tournament running from June 1, 2026, to December 4, 2027.

The qualification process will unfold in five rounds, with the first round exclusively featuring the six lowest-ranked teams in the FIFA rankings. These include matchups such as Sudan vs Comoros, South Sudan vs Madagascar, and Mauritius vs Djibouti. The remaining nations, including strong contenders like Morocco and Nigeria, will enter the competition in the second round.

Key matchups and potential showdowns

The second round will feature several high-profile encounters, including Morocco, the runner-up of the last Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), against Congo. Nigeria, the current African champion and already qualified for Paris 2024, could face Senegal or Tunisia in the third round, depending on their progression.

The Senegalese team will first confront Tunisia, with the winner advancing to face either Mali or Benin. Algeria, on the other hand, will begin their journey in the Central African Republic. Zambia, which competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics, will need to overcome Uganda before potentially facing Ghana to secure a third consecutive Olympic berth.

What’s at stake in the women’s Olympic football qualifiers?

The Olympic football qualification for women in Africa is a critical pathway for teams aiming to secure a spot in the Los Angeles 2028 Games. With five rounds of play, the tournament offers multiple opportunities for African nations to showcase their talent and compete for Olympic glory. The winner of this qualification process will earn the right to represent Africa on the global stage in LA28.

For Senegal, this double confrontation against Tunisia represents not just a chance to advance, but also an opportunity to build momentum ahead of future competitions. The outcome of these matches could have far-reaching implications for the team’s development and their standing in African women’s football.