The senior women’s handball team of Benin secured the title at the second edition of the international tournament held in Smara, Morocco, on 31 October 2026. Dominating the competition throughout the event, the squad known as the Amazons finished their campaign with three victories in three matches. The team maintained an undefeated record against all opponents during the tournament proceedings. Officials from the Beninese Handball Federation confirmed the results following the final whistle in Smara. This performance marks the second consecutive year that the Benin team has claimed victory at the international event. The Amazons return home following the successful conclusion of the tournament matches.
Tournament Performance and Results
Benin secured its tournament record by defeating Morocco 36-27 during the competition. The squad also recorded victories against the United States and Canada, finishing the latter match with a score of 24-21. These three wins ensured the team maintained its undefeated status throughout the event in Smara.
Success for the Amazons follows their performance in the previous year's competition. The team won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2025, establishing a consecutive streak of titles. Beninese Handball Federation officials monitored the matches as the roster built upon the foundation established during their first championship victory. Benin now holds two consecutive trophies from the international event hosted in Morocco.
Path to Continental Competition
Benin earned its qualification for the Women's AFCON following a successful campaign at the IHF Nations Trophy for Zone III. This tournament took place in Ouagadougou during September 2026. The squad secured its spot in the continental competition by winning the regional trophy through a series of victories.
The team confirmed its advancement after defeating Ivory Coast in the IHF Nations Trophy Zone III final. Benin finished that match with a score of 29-28 to claim the title. This result in Ouagadougou guaranteed the team a place in the upcoming Women's AFCON tournament. Beninese Handball Federation officials oversaw the roster's progress throughout the September event as the players competed against other regional opponents. The victory against Ivory Coast served as the decisive win for the Benin squad in its pursuit of qualification for the continental event.
Upcoming African Cup Campaign
The Women's Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Tunisia during December 2026. This continental tournament serves as the next major challenge for the Benin national team following their recent performance in Morocco.
Benin has been drawn into Group A for the upcoming competition. The squad will compete against Egypt, Congo, and Cape Verde during the group stage of the event. Beninese Handball Federation officials are preparing the roster for these matches as the team transitions from their international tournament success to the continental stage. The selection of opponents places the Amazons in a group with three other nations as they aim to advance through the tournament bracket. Players and staff will travel to Tunisia to begin their campaign next month.
