Moroccan duo named in CAF Best XI for WAFCON 2026

Morocco defenders Nahila Benzina and Hanan Ait El Haj have been included in the CAF Technical Study Group’s Best XI for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The two Atlas Lionesses were recognised for their performances during the tournament, which was hosted by Morocco.

Their selection provides further recognition for Morocco’s players after their campaign on home soil.

Benzina and Ait El Haj make defensive line

Benzina and Ait El Haj were named in a four-player defence in CAF’s team of the tournament, which was selected in a 4-3-3 formation.

They were joined in defence by Algeria’s Ines Belmou and Cameroon’s Mariam Ngadjio.

CAF’s Technical Study Group selected the team based on players’ consistency, influence and contribution to their respective national sides during the competition.

Cameroon’s Michale Bihina was chosen as the goalkeeper.

Chawinga, Banda and Ngah Manga lead attack

The midfield consisted of Algeria’s Marine Davor, Cameroon’s Monique Ngock and Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga.

Malawi’s Tabitha Chawinga, Zambia captain Barbra Banda and Cameroon’s Marie Ngah Manga completed the attacking trio.

The selection underlines the quality of performances across the tournament, with five nations represented in the final XI.

For Morocco, the inclusion of Benzina and Ait El Haj adds to the individual recognition earned by the Atlas Lionesses after competing at a WAFCON staged on home soil.