WAFCON 2026: Cameroon win historic title as Malawi finish runners-up

Cameroon are the new champions of Africa after defeating Malawi 3-0 in the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, August 16. The victory at Rabat’s Moulay El Hassan Stadium secured the Indomitable Lionesses’ first-ever WAFCON title and brought an historic tournament to a close.

Cameroon complete a remarkable campaign

Cameroon entered the final after eliminating hosts Morocco in a dramatic semi-final decided on penalties. The Indomitable Lionesses then delivered a dominant performance against Malawi, winning 3-0 to finally claim the continental crown. The title represents a landmark achievement for Cameroon, who can now add their name to the list of African women’s football champions.

Malawi make history despite final defeat

Malawi may have missed out on the trophy, but the Scorchers leave the tournament with their reputation significantly enhanced. They reached the WAFCON final for the first time after beating Algeria 3-1 in the semi-finals. Their historic run eventually ended against Cameroon, but reaching the final represents the biggest achievement yet for Malawi at the continental level.

Algeria secure third place

Algeria finished the tournament on the podium after beating hosts Morocco in the third-place play-off. The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Algeria eventually winning 3-2 on penalties. The result earned the Algerians the bronze medal and left Morocco in fourth place. The hosts had been hoping to reach a third consecutive final but were eliminated by Cameroon in the semi-finals.

The tournament’s individual awards

The final day also brought the announcement of the main individual honours. Monique Ngock was named the tournament’s best player, while Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga finished as the leading scorer. Michaely Bihina received the award for best goalkeeper, while Algeria were recognised with the Fair Play Award.

A historic conclusion

The 2026 WAFCON ends with Cameroon at the top of African women’s football, Malawi as runners-up and Algeria taking the bronze medal. For Cameroon, it is the beginning of a new chapter after finally winning their first continental title. For Malawi, the tournament confirmed the emergence of a side capable of challenging Africa’s established powers. And for African women’s football as a whole, the 2026 edition provided another reminder of the growing competitiveness across the continent.