WAFCON 2026: The key players to headline Morocco-Cameroon clash

Morocco and Cameroon meet in the second semi-final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Rabat on Wednesday, with both sides one victory away from reaching the continental final.

The Atlas Lionesses arrive after a 2-1 quarter-final victory over South Africa, while Cameroon produced one of the tournament’s biggest shocks by eliminating defending champions Nigeria with a 1-0 win.

Both teams have already secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup by reaching the last four, but their immediate target is a place in the WAFCON final.

Several players could prove decisive in what promises to be a tightly contested semi-final.

Ouzraoui and Jraidi lead Morocco’s attacking threat

Sakina Ouzraoui has emerged as one of Morocco’s key attacking players during the tournament.

The forward scored in the 4-0 opening win over Kenya before finding the net again in the quarter-final victory against South Africa to put Morocco ahead.

Her pace and movement could cause problems for Cameroon’s defence, particularly if she finds space behind the back line.

Morocco will also look to Ibtissam Jraidi for goals. The experienced striker scored twice against Kenya in the opening game and brings considerable international experience to the Atlas Lionesses.

Jraidi made history at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup by becoming the first Moroccan and Arab player to score at the tournament when she found the net against South Korea.

Chebbak remains Morocco’s creative heartbeat

Captain Ghizlane Chebbak remains another major influence for the hosts.

The veteran midfielder was the leading scorer at the 2022 and 2024 WAFCON tournaments and was named Player of the Tournament in 2022.

Her creativity, passing and set-piece ability could prove particularly important if Cameroon adopt a deep defensive approach.

Hanane Ait El Haj also demonstrated her attacking value in the quarter-final against South Africa. The right-back provided the assist for Ouzraoui’s opening goal before converting a penalty for Morocco’s second.

Her contribution from the flank could give the hosts another route through Cameroon’s defensive shape.

Cameroon rely on Ngah Manga and experienced Nchout

Cameroon’s biggest attacking threat is likely to come from Marie Gisèle Ngah Manga.

The 23-year-old forward scored three goals in her first two appearances at the tournament, including two against Mali, making her a player Morocco’s defence will need to monitor closely.

Her physical strength and finishing ability could be particularly valuable if Cameroon are forced to rely on counter-attacking opportunities.

Veteran forward Ajara Nchout Njoya provides another experienced option in attack. One of the most established figures in African women’s football, Nchout’s movement and experience in major matches could prove decisive in a game where chances are expected to be limited.

Nyadjou offers Cameroon another threat

Cameroon also demonstrated in the quarter-finals that their danger extends beyond their forwards.

Nineteen-year-old defender Myriam Maéva Nyadjou scored the decisive goal in the 1-0 victory over Nigeria with a direct free-kick.

The goal came despite Nigeria enjoying significant possession and creating opportunities, highlighting Cameroon’s ability to remain disciplined under pressure before making the most of a decisive moment.

Nyadjou’s threat from set pieces could therefore provide another challenge for Morocco.

Two contrasting approaches

The semi-final is likely to be shaped by the contrasting strengths of the two sides.

Morocco have demonstrated their ability to dominate possession and create through combinations in attack, with Ouzraoui, Jraidi and Chebbak offering different attacking options.

Cameroon, meanwhile, have shown defensive resilience and an ability to withstand pressure before striking at key moments, as demonstrated by their victory over Nigeria.

The opening goal could therefore be crucial.

Morocco will need to find a way through Cameroon’s organised defence while limiting the space available to Ngah Manga and Nchout on the counter.

For Cameroon, containing Morocco’s attacking players and making the most of set pieces and transition opportunities will be central to their hopes of reaching the final.

With a place in the WAFCON final at stake, the contest could ultimately be settled by a single moment of individual brilliance.

Morocco and Cameroon kick off at 9pm local time in Rabat.