CAF Women's AFCON 2026: Bihina, Banda, the Chawinga sisters... CAF's best eleven

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled its best eleven for the 2026 Africa Women's Cup of Nations, just days after Cameroon’s triumph over Malawi in the final (3-0).

The Indomitable Lionesses dominate

As expected, the Cameroonian African champions have the highest representation in the best XI. Goalkeeper Michaley Bihina, defender Myriam Nyadjou, midfielder Monique Ngock, and forward Marie Ngah all made the cut.

The two sisters, Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, earned their spots in the team after making history with Malawi. Tabitha scored four goals, while Temwa netted five, matching the tournament’s other top scorers: Barbra Banda, Marie Ngah Manga, and Inès Konan.

Nigeria absent for the first time

For the first time in Women's AFCON history, no Nigerian player features in the tournament’s best XI, following their early exit in the quarter-finals.

The Super Falcons, usually contenders for the trophy or at least a semi-final berth, delivered their worst performance to date. CAF’s selection is a defensible decision by African football’s governing body.

The 2026 Women's AFCON best XI:

Michaley Bihina (Cameroon) - Myriam Nyadjou (Cameroon), Nohaila Benzina (Morocco), Hanane Ait El Haj (Morocco), Ines Belloumou (Algeria) - Monique Ngock (Cameroon), Marine Dafeur (Algeria), Temwa Chawinga (Malawi) – Barbra Banda (Zambia), Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi) - Marie Ngah (Cameroon).

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

Related teams and leagues

Cameroon W

Africa Women Cup of Nations