Malawi, Cameroon battle for historic WAFCON triumph

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations WAFCON final will bring together two teams with contrasting journeys but a shared ambition: to win the continental title for the first time.

Malawi arrived at the tournament as debutants with limited expectations, while Cameroon entered with the experience and pedigree of a team accustomed to competing at the highest level. Now, both sides stand one victory away from making history.

For Malawi, the journey has been one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.

The Scorchers announced themselves with a stunning victory over defending champions Nigeria, immediately signalling that their presence in Morocco was about more than simply making up the numbers. The result provided the confidence that would carry them through the knockout stages.

Malawi followed that statement victory by overcoming Algeria in the semi-finals, securing a place in the final and further extending one of the most remarkable stories in the competition.

Their run has already earned the Scorchers a historic place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. A victory in the final would now take their extraordinary debut campaign to an even higher level.

Cameroon have taken a more familiar but equally demanding route.

The Lionesses reached the final after producing two significant knockout victories, first eliminating defending champions Nigeria before overcoming hosts Morocco in a dramatic semi-final.

Those results underlined Cameroon’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure when the stakes are highest.

Now, there is no room for another WAFCON comeback.

The final in Rabat presents Malawi with an opportunity to transform a remarkable debut into an unforgettable championship triumph. For Cameroon, it represents a chance to complete their return to the final by finally lifting the trophy they have long pursued.

The two sides may have taken different paths to reach this point, but they now share the same destination.

Whatever happens in the final, both teams have already changed the narrative around their place in African women’s football. Malawi have announced themselves on the continental stage, while Cameroon have once again demonstrated their ability to compete among Africa’s elite.

One match remains, One trophy awaits, And by the final whistle, one of these two nations will have a new chapter in its football history.