The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has produced a surprise final pairing, with Malawi and Cameroon securing their places in Sunday’s title clash after contrasting semifinal victories.
Malawi made history by defeating Algeria 3-1 to reach their first-ever WAFCON final, while Cameroon eliminated hosts Morocco 3-1 on penalties after a goalless draw that lasted 120 minutes.
The results have set up an intriguing final between a debutant Malawi side chasing its first continental title and a Cameroon team returning to the championship match after a strong knockout campaign.
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Chawinga Sisters Fire Malawi Into Historic Final
Malawi continued their remarkable debut campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over Algeria, with sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga once again leading the way.
Algeria’s task became more difficult in the 23rd minute when Morgane Belkhiter was shown a red card following a foul on Tabitha Chawinga. Malawi eventually broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute when Tabitha produced a spectacular finish, directing an effort onto the crossbar and into the net.
Temwa doubled Malawi’s advantage shortly before half-time after rounding the Algerian goalkeeper and finishing into an empty net. Algeria pulled a goal back in the 60th minute through Ikram Adjabi, who reacted quickly to a loose ball following a dangerous free-kick.
However, Tabitha restored Malawi’s two-goal advantage in the 76th minute, completing her brace and sealing a historic 3-1 victory.
The result makes Malawi the first debutant team to reach the WAFCON final and gives the Scorchers a chance to claim their first continental title.
Cameroon End Morocco’s Home Campaign
Cameroon secured the second final spot after defeating hosts Morocco 3-1 in a penalty shootout following a tense 0-0 draw.
Morocco dominated possession for much of the match and appeared to have a late opportunity to settle the contest when they were awarded a penalty in the 118th minute.
Fatima Tagnaout, however, failed to convert the spot kick after Cameroon’s goalkeeper Michaely Bihina made the crucial save.
The match went to penalties, where Cameroon held their nerve. Marie Ngah, Rose Bella and Myriam Nyadjou converted their attempts, while Morocco struggled from the spot.
Cameroon had already eliminated defending champions Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-finals, making their route to the final particularly impressive.
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A New WAFCON Champion Awaits
Sunday’s final will produce a new WAFCON champion, with neither Malawi nor Cameroon having lifted the trophy in the tournament’s current edition.
For Malawi, the final represents an extraordinary opportunity to cap a historic debut with a continental crown. Their progress has been driven by the Chawinga sisters, whose goals have been central to the team’s campaign.
Cameroon, meanwhile, will draw on their experience and confidence after overcoming two difficult knockout opponents in Nigeria and Morocco.
The tournament has also secured World Cup qualification for all four semifinalists, with Malawi and Algeria set to make their debut at the global tournament alongside Morocco and Cameroon.
The WAFCON final on Sunday promises a fascinating contest between Malawi’s fearless debutants and a battle-tested Cameroon side determined to finish their knockout run with the trophy.
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