The North African Players to Watch out for at the Women's AFCON 2026

The face of Morocco’s women’s football revolution, Ghizlane Chebbak carries both a national team and family legacy. The captain and attacking midfielder has been one of Africa’s most dominant players, winning the Women’s AFCON Player of the Tournament award in 2022 and finishing as the competition’s top scorer in back-to-back editions.

Football runs in Chebbak’s blood. She is the daughter of Larbi Chebbak, a Moroccan football legend who was part of the team that won the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco’s first men’s AFCON title.

The French-born midfielder developed through Paris Saint-Germain’s academy and built her reputation in France before becoming one of the standout players in the Saudi Women’s Premier League. She is a key figure in Algeria’s new generation and one of the players capable of deciding games at Women’s AFCON 2026.

One of Egypt's fastest-rising stars, Ghazzi starred for Al Ahly during the 2025/26 season and is the Egyptian Women's Premier League's Player of the Season. The versatile attacker has become a regular source of goals and creativity. Captain for both club and country, earning recognition as one of the league's best players before Women's AFCON 2026.

Morocco's all-time leading goalscorer made history at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, scoring the country's first-ever goal in the tournament against South Korea. The striker won numerous domestic titles with AS FAR before moving to Saudi Arabia, where she has continued her prolific scoring form with Al Ahli.

Tagnaout has been one of the biggest stars in the CAF Women's Champions League over the past few years, helping AS FAR win the 2022 continental title. The winger was named Best Player of the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League, and her pace, dribbling and creativity have made her one of Morocco's biggest attacking threats.

Belloumou came through the youth ranks at Olympique Marseille before playing for FC Fleury 91 and joining West Ham in the Women's Super League. Born in France, she switched allegiance to Algeria in 2023 and has quickly become one of the team's most influential players. Her attacking runs and crossing ability make her one of Africa's top full-backs.

One of Egypt's brightest young talents, Habiba Essam joined Al Ahly from Wadi Degla and quickly became one of the club's standout attacking players. Known for her pace, close control and ability to create chances, she has established herself as a regular in the national team despite her young age. Women's AFCON 2026 offers the midfielder a chance to cement herself as one of Egypt's future stars.

One of Algeria’s most experienced players, Dafeur brings more than a decade of top-flight experience from France before moving to England with Bristol City. The versatile defender has represented clubs including FC Fleury 91 and Montpellier, and her ability to play across the defensive line gives Algeria both stability and attacking support from wide areas.