WAFCON 2026: Cameroon set up final with Malawi after knocking out Morocco

Cameroon ended Morocco’s hopes of reaching a third successive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final after beating the hosts on penalties following a goalless semi-final in Rabat.

The two sides could not be separated after 90 minutes at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, while neither could find a breakthrough during an additional 30 minutes of extra time.

Cameroon eventually prevailed in the shootout to book a final meeting with Malawi on Sunday.

Morocco suffer shootout heartbreak

Morocco had the chance to take control of the shootout after Hanane Ait El Haj converted their opening penalty.

However, the hosts’ hopes quickly faded as Kenza Chapelle, Maryame Atiq and Sakina Ouzraoui Diki all failed to score from the spot.

Cameroon also missed one attempt through Grâce Davila Mendoua, but successful penalties from Marie Ngah and Bella Rose helped the Indomitable Lionesses secure victory.

The result ended Morocco’s perfect record in WAFCON penalty shootouts.

Before Wednesday’s semi-final, the Atlas Lionesses had converted all nine of their penalties in shootout victories over Nigeria in the 2022 semi-final and Ghana in the 2024 semi-final.

Those victories had taken Morocco to consecutive finals, but Cameroon denied them the opportunity to make it three in a row.

Cameroon continue impressive tournament

Cameroon reached the semi-finals after producing one of the biggest results of the tournament, defeating defending champions Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-finals.

Morocco, meanwhile, had booked their place in the last four with a 2-1 victory over South Africa.

That quarter-final success had also secured Morocco’s qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The hosts will now have to settle for a third-place play-off.

Malawi await Cameroon in final

Cameroon will face tournament debutants Malawi in Sunday’s final after the Scorchers defeated Algeria 3-1 in the other semi-final earlier on Wednesday.

The Chawinga sisters once again inspired Malawi, with Tabitha Chawinga scoring twice and Temwa Chawinga adding another goal.

Ikram Adjabi scored Algeria’s only goal.

Malawi’s run has been one of the biggest stories of the tournament. Having made their first appearance at the WAFCON, the Scorchers have now reached their maiden continental final after already securing their first-ever Women’s World Cup qualification by reaching the last four.

Cameroon and Malawi will meet for the WAFCON title in Rabat on Sunday, 16 August, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 local time.

The final will guarantee a new champion and another landmark moment for African women’s football.