Malawi and Cameroon will meet in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday, with both teams chasing a first continental title after reaching the showpiece in contrasting fashion.
The final, which will be played on 16 August, guarantees a new champion of African women’s football after Malawi reached the final on their tournament debut and Cameroon ended hosts Morocco’s hopes of a third successive appearance in the final.
Malawi produced one of the most impressive results of the tournament by beating Algeria 3-1 in their semi-final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday.
Cameroon, meanwhile, needed a penalty shootout to overcome Morocco after the two sides could not be separated during 120 minutes at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
For Malawi, reaching the final represents another remarkable step in a campaign that has already seen them defeat established African powers.
The debutants had previously caused major upsets against Nigeria and Ghana and continued that run against Algeria, confirming their status as one of the surprise teams of the competition.
Their semi-final victory was shaped by a series of dramatic incidents.
Algeria were reduced to 10 players after Morgane Belkhiter was sent off following a VAR review for denying Malawi captain Tabitha Chawinga a goalscoring opportunity.
Chawinga then put Malawi ahead in spectacular fashion, scoring with an overhead kick which struck the crossbar before crossing the line.
Her sister Temwa Chawinga added a second goal in first-half stoppage time, putting Malawi in a strong position before the break.
Algeria attempted to fight back after the interval, with Ikram Adjabi finding the net. Malawi also lost Rose Kadzere to a red card, but their numerical disadvantage did not prevent them from restoring their two-goal advantage.
Tabitha Chawinga scored again to complete the 3-1 victory and send Malawi into the final.
The result also made Malawi the first WAFCON debutants since 1998 to reach the final.
Cameroon’s route to the showpiece was more tense.
The Indomitable Lionesses held Morocco to a goalless draw through 120 minutes, surviving sustained pressure from the hosts in front of their home supporters.
The decisive figure was Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina.
The 20-year-old Benfica goalkeeper had already saved a penalty during extra time before producing another outstanding display in the shootout. She stopped three Moroccan penalties to help Cameroon win the shootout 3-1.
Her performance allowed Cameroon to withstand Morocco’s pressure and secure a place in the final.
The result ended Morocco’s hopes of reaching a third consecutive WAFCON final and ensured that the competition will have a new champion.
The outcome is part of a tournament marked by unexpected results, including the early elimination of former champions Nigeria and South Africa.
While Malawi will enter the final as the tournament’s surprise package, Cameroon will be seeking to overcome the disappointment of three previous defeats in WAFCON finals.
The two finalists have already secured a major achievement before Sunday’s match, with both earning automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Attention now turns to the final, where Malawi’s remarkable debut campaign will meet Cameroon’s experience and determination.
Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 Nigeria time on Sunday, with the winner set to make history as the newest champions of African women’s football.
