WAFCON 2026: Cameroon or Malawi set to become a first-time champion

Cameroon and Malawi will contest the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat on Sunday, with either side guaranteed to become a first-time champion in a tournament that has been dominated by Nigeria for much of its modern history.

The final will bring a new name to the list of winners after Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco were all removed from contention during a tournament that has significantly reshaped the established order in African women’s football.

For this historical record, the competition’s modern era begins in 1998, when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) introduced the tournament in an eight-team group-stage format.

Nigeria remain the dominant force

Since 1998, Nigeria have established themselves as the overwhelming power in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Falcons have won 10 of the 13 editions played between 1998 and 2024, a record that puts them well clear of every other nation.

Nigeria’s dominance has also extended beyond the continental tournament.

The country’s women’s team has long been regarded as the leading force in African football and had appeared at every Women’s World Cup before the current qualifying cycle for the 2027 tournament.

However, their authority was challenged at this year’s competition.

The defending champions entered the 2026 tournament among the leading favourites, but their campaign ended in the quarter-finals when Cameroon produced a 1-0 victory.

Nigeria’s early exit opened up the competition and created an opportunity for a new champion to emerge.

Equatorial Guinea break Nigeria’s grip

Equatorial Guinea were the first nation to seriously disrupt Nigeria’s dominance in the modern era.

In 2008, the Nzalang Femenino stunned Nigeria before beating South Africa in the final.

Their success made them the first team other than the Super Falcons to win the title since the competition adopted its modern format.

Equatorial Guinea then repeated the achievement four years later.

They defeated South Africa in the 2012 final to claim their second Women’s AFCON title.

That success remains a significant part of the country’s history in the competition, even though their influence on the continental stage has declined since then.

With two titles, Equatorial Guinea remain the second-most successful nation in the competition during the period beginning in 1998.

South Africa finally claim their first title

Nigeria’s dominance was interrupted again in 2022, when South Africa finally ended years of disappointment.

Banyana Banyana had previously lost five Women’s AFCON finals, but their fortunes changed in Morocco as they secured their first continental championship.

Led by a generation that included captain Refiloe Jane, South Africa became only the third nation to win the tournament since 1998.

Their triumph added another name to a winners’ list that had previously been overwhelmingly dominated by Nigeria.

Cameroon and Malawi make history

Sunday’s final guarantees another change to that list.

Cameroon reached the final after first eliminating Nigeria before overcoming hosts Morocco.

The Indomitable Lionesses have considerable experience of reaching the latter stages of the competition and have finished runners-up several times, but they have never lifted the trophy.

A victory in Rabat would therefore deliver their first Women’s AFCON title.

Malawi’s journey has been even more remarkable.

The Scorchers are appearing at the final tournament for the first time and have gone all the way to the championship match.

Their campaign has been driven in part by sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, who have played important roles in their progress.

Malawi’s run has already secured a historic place in the 2027 Women’s World Cup, but victory on Sunday would take their achievement to another level.

Nigeria have been eliminated, South Africa are out and hosts Morocco failed to reach the final.

The established powers have therefore been replaced by two nations seeking their first continental crown.

Whether the trophy heads to Yaoundé or Lilongwe, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will have a new champion when the final ends on Sunday.

Complete list of Women’s AFCON winners since 1998

Edition	Winner
1998	Nigeria
2000	Nigeria
2002	Nigeria
2004	Nigeria
2006	Nigeria
2008	Equatorial Guinea
2010	Nigeria
2012	Equatorial Guinea
2014	Nigeria
2016	Nigeria
2018	Nigeria
2022	South Africa
2024	Nigeria