CAF Women’s AFCON 2026: Bihina, Ngock and Ngah Manga rewarded in tournament XI

Four Cameroon players have been named in the Confederation of African Football’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 team of the tournament, with goalkeeper Michaely Bihina, midfielder Monique Ngock and forward Marie Ngah Manga joined by defender Myriam Nyadjou.

The team was announced by CAF on Thursday, four days after Cameroon won the final. The champions are the best represented side in a 4-3-3 formation, which is managed by Cameroon head coach Valentine Nguele.

Bihina was selected in goal after being named the tournament’s best goalkeeper. Nyadjou occupies the right-sided central defensive position following a standout campaign that included a 30-metre goal in Cameroon’s 1-0 quarter-final victory over Nigeria.

Ngock, who was voted the competition’s best player, is included as the left-sided central midfielder. Ngah Manga leads the attack after scoring twice in the final and finishing as one of the tournament’s joint top scorers with five goals.

Algeria and Morocco each have two representatives in the CAF XI, despite both teams being eliminated in the semi-finals.

Algeria, who claimed bronze for the first time in their history, are represented by Ines Belloumou and captain Marine Dafeur. Belloumou is named at left-back, while Dafeur takes her place as the right-sided central midfielder.

Morocco finished fourth and have Nohaila Benzina in the left-sided central defensive role. Hanane Ait El Haj is selected at right-back after ending the tournament as the leading provider of assists, with four.

Surprise finalists Malawi also contribute two players to the team. Tabitha Chawinga is chosen on the left wing, while her sister Temwa Chawinga features as the advanced midfielder at the top of the central triangle.

The Chawinga sisters were among the leading performers of the tournament. Tabitha finished as the second-highest scorer with four goals, while Temwa was a joint leading scorer with five.

The final place in the XI goes to Zambia forward Barbra Banda, who is selected on the right wing. Her inclusion is notable because Zambia, known as the Copper Queens, were knocked out during the group stage.

Cameroon’s success in the team of the tournament reflects their achievement in winning the continental title, while Algeria and Morocco share the next-highest representation despite ending their campaigns before the final. Malawi’s two selections underline the impact of their unexpected run to the decisive match.