Malawi shock Algeria and Cameroon beat Morocco to reach WAFCON final | Football News
Malawi to Face Cameroon in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Final
Malawi will meet Cameroon in the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Sunday, following victories over Algeria and Morocco in the semifinals.
In the first semifinal match on Wednesday, Malawi secured a 3-1 win against Algeria, with Tabitha Chawinga contributing significantly by scoring two goals. Meanwhile, Cameroon advanced to the final after a tense penalty shootout, defeating Morocco 3-1 after a scoreless draw.
Both finalists, along with the other semifinalists, have qualified for the Women’s World Cup scheduled for next summer in Brazil. This will mark the World Cup debut for both Malawi and Algeria. Morocco will return for its second appearance after advancing to the round of 16 in 2023, while Cameroon is participating for the third time, having previously competed in 2015 and 2019.
Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina played a crucial role in the penalty shootout against Morocco, saving three attempts. Myriam Maéva Nyadjou sealed the win for her team by successfully converting the final penalty kick. During regulation, Morocco maintained the majority of possession but could not break the deadlock.
A key moment occurred during the second period of extra time when Cameroon’s Myriam Maeva Nyadjou fouled Sakina Ouzraouii in the penalty area. After a video review, a penalty was awarded to Morocco, but Bihina thwarted Fatima Tagnaout’s attempt, preserving the scoreline.
Malawi, ranked No. 153 globally, is competing in the WAFCON tournament for the first time. The team achieved its place in the final with a standout performance against Algeria, which included two goals from the Chawinga sisters. Tabitha opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with a left-footed strike that hit the crossbar before bouncing into the net. Temwa, who plays for the Kansas City Current in the National Women’s Soccer League, added a goal just before halftime, navigating around the Algerian goalkeeper, Chloe N’Gazi.
The match was marked by discipline issues, including a red card issued to Algeria’s Morgane Belkhiter after a foul on Tabitha Chawinga in the 23rd minute. Malawi’s Rose Kadzere also received a red card for a challenge on Marine Dafeur, resulting in both teams finishing with 10 players.
Following a goal from Ikram Adjabi that brought Algeria back within one goal at the 60th minute, Tabitha Chawinga notched her second goal of the match in the 76th minute, shooting through an Algerian defender’s legs.
Looking ahead, the four quarterfinal losers still have a chance to qualify for the Women’s World Cup. Nigeria is set to take on South Africa, while Ghana will face Ivory Coast in Casablanca on Thursday, with the winners advancing to an intercontinental playoff.
The semifinal matches drew a crowd of more than 19,000 at Moulay Al Hassan Stadium, underscoring the growing popularity of women’s football on the continent.
