Women’s AFCON 2026: Morocco and Cameroon meet in Rabat semi-final showdown

Morocco will play Cameroon on Wednesday evening for a place in the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with the semi-final taking place at the Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat.

The hosts, who have finished as runners-up in the competition on two occasions, stand between Cameroon and a place in the final against Malawi. The match is the second semi-final of the tournament and will be followed live, with commentary, by Afrik-Foot.

Morocco reached the last four after a 2-1 victory over South Africa in the previous round. Sakina Ouzraoui and Hanane Ait El Haj scored the goals that secured the win and kept the home side’s campaign on course.

Cameroon advanced by eliminating the holders, Nigeria, with a 1-0 victory. Myriam Nyadjou scored the only goal of that match, but Cameroon’s progress was also built on an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Michaely Bihina.

Bihina made several decisive saves on her line to preserve Cameroon’s lead and help the Indomitable Lionesses return to the semi-finals. They now face a Morocco side seeking to make the most of home advantage and reach the final once again.

The two teams have met previously at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Their first meeting came in the group stage in 2000, when Cameroon won 4-1.

Morocco and Cameroon have also faced each other twice in friendly matches. Morocco claimed a 1-0 victory in September 2021, before Cameroon secured revenge with a 1-0 win in April 2025.

Team news

Morocco have made two changes to the side that started the previous match. Ghizlane Chebbak, who was forced off with an injury earlier in the tournament, returns to the starting line-up in midfield.

Ibtissam Jraidi also comes into the starting XI, replacing Fatima Tagnaout.

Cameroon have made one alteration. Genevieve Ngo Mbeleck starts in place of Charlene Meyong, who drops to the substitutes’ bench.

The semi-final brings together two teams who reached the last four in contrasting ways. Morocco had to come from a closely contested match against South Africa, while Cameroon held out against the reigning champions after Nyadjou’s decisive goal.

For the hosts, victory would put them into the final in front of their home supporters. For Cameroon, overcoming Nigeria has created the opportunity to move one match away from the title.

The winner will join Malawi in the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

This report was written by Prudence Ahanogbe, a football writer who describes herself as a versatile member of the editorial team. She says her approach combines a natural flair for writing with the hard work associated with elite footballers.