Former champions Equatorial Guinea will miss the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) after falling to an upset in the first round of qualifying on Wednesday.

The Equatoguineans trailed 3-1 heading into the second leg of their tie against Tanzania, who are 63 places below them in the world rankings, and could only manage a 1-1 draw at home.

Winners in 2008 and 2012, Equatorial Guinea have failed to reach a Wafcon since 2018, when they finished bottom of their group.

Elsewhere, Kenya goalkeeper Lilian Awuor saved two penalties as the East Africans pulled off a major shock by eliminating Tunisia.

After an early goal from Tereza Engesha the Harambee Starlets, ranked 71 places beneath their opponents, saw out a 1-0 win in North Africa to go through.

Meanwhile, Botswana have been eliminated before even taking part in the 2024 edition of the tournament, which will be held in Morocco in July.

The southern Africans drew 0-0 away against DR Congo, who have also reached this year’s finals, and ultimately exited 2-0 on aggregate.

Togo and Mali were the most convincing winners, triumphing respectively 10-0 on aggregate against Djibouti and 10-1 overall against Gabon.

The second round of qualifiers will be held in October and will decide which 11 teams will join Morocco, who will host again, at the 2026 tournament.

Reigning champions South Africa, Zambia and Nigeria were among the six highest-ranked sides given a bye to the second round.

The dates of the 2026 Wafcon finals are yet to be announced by the Confederation of African Football.