2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations: Cameroon's unstoppable march to the final

16.08.26 15:00 Africa Women Cup of Nations

Cameroon W

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Malawi W

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No one expected them to make it this far. After earning a lifeline from CAF thanks to the expansion of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations from 12 to 16 teams, Cameroon turned the tables on two giants and returned to the Moulay Hassan Stadium to play their fourth final. On Sunday against Malawi, the Indomitable Lionesses are playing for their own renaissance.

A tense start

The Cameroonian team arrived in Morocco as a fallen giant with something to prove. Lacking ideal preparation and having been handed a last-minute reprieve, the Lionesses first had to show they deserved their spot. The group stage became their chance to get back on track. With a rock-solid defense and clinical attack, they finished top of their group, undefeated.

Earthquake against Nigeria

The turning point came in the quarter-finals. Against Nigeria—the reigning champions and record 10-time winners—Cameroon pulled off one of the tournament's biggest shocks. A 1-0 victory sent them into the semi-finals. The Indomitable Lionesses avenged their defeat in the 2016 final, toppling the Super Falcons after ten long years. This win also secured their ticket to the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.

Bihina's wall against the hosts

In the semi-finals, another huge test awaited against hosts Morocco in Rabat, with the stands packed. 120 minutes without a goal, a resolute defense, and a goalkeeper in the form of her life. Michaely Kyria Bihina, who had already made 9 saves against Nigeria, added 7 more in this match, saving a penalty in regular time and stopping 3 more in the shootout. A 3-1 triumph on penalties. Since the start of the tournament, Bihina has kept clean sheets in 3 out of 5 matches and has been named player of the match twice in a row.

The goal: glory

Ten years since their last final, Cameroon are back. Valentin Ngouele’s squad remains unbeaten, built on a cohesive unit, a sensational goalkeeper, and the experience of stars determined to end the long drought. On Sunday at 19:00 GMT, against a promising Malawi side, the Lionesses have the chance to seize their first-ever continental title and a record $2 million prize.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

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Cameroon W

Malawi W

Africa Women Cup of Nations