Kigali, Rwanda — Eritrean women’s football is once again taking its place on the continental stage as Denden FC Women prepare to represent Eritrea in the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers.
The Eritrean champions have been drawn into Group A alongside Rayon Sports WFC of Rwanda, Yei Joint Stars of South Sudan and Mafunzo SC of Zanzibar. The regional qualifiers will be played in Kigali, Rwanda, from August 21 to 31, 2026.
Denden’s participation is another important milestone for Eritrean women’s football. The club made history in 2025 when it became the first Eritrean team to participate in the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers.
A chance to make history again
The 2026 CECAFA qualifiers feature 10 clubs from across East and Central Africa, with teams from Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti and Zanzibar competing for the regional title. The winner will earn the right to represent the CECAFA region at the CAF Women’s Champions League 2026.
For Denden FC, the challenge begins in a competitive Group A. The top two teams from Group A will advance to the semi-finals, where they will compete for a place in the final and ultimately the coveted continental qualification spot.
Pride for Eritrean football
Denden’s participation goes beyond one club. The team carries the hopes of Eritrean women’s football onto one of Africa’s biggest stages.
After becoming Eritrean champions, Denden now have the opportunity to test themselves against some of the strongest women’s clubs in the region. A successful campaign in Rwanda could see the club take another historic step and qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.
The journey begins in Kigali.
Denden FC Women. Eritrea’s champions. Africa awaits. 🇪🇷⚽