On Sunday, August 16, Cameroon and Malawi will face off at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat for the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final. This match marks a rare occasion where both finalists are vying for their inaugural WAFCON crown, ensuring a new champion will be crowned.

Neither team has previously won the tournament, making this only the third final in WAFCON history where both sides seek their maiden title. The previous instances were the inaugural 1998 final between Nigeria and Ghana, and the 2022 final where South Africa defeated Morocco.

Cameroon’s Pursuit of Glory

Cameroon, known as the Indomitable Lionesses, have reached the final three times before—in 2004, 2014, and 2016—but fell short each time against Nigeria. This year, they face a different opponent for the first time in a final, having secured their place by defeating hosts Morocco in the semi-finals. Their defensive strength has been a highlight, conceding just two goals throughout the tournament and maintaining clean sheets in all knockout matches.

Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina has been instrumental in their campaign, notably saving three penalties in the semi-final shootout against Morocco—a first for a Cameroonian goalkeeper in WAFCON history. Cameroon’s balanced approach combines solid defense with efficient attacking play, though their five goals scored are fewer than Malawi’s tally.

Malawi’s Remarkable Debut

Making their first-ever WAFCON appearance, Malawi have stunned fans with an extraordinary run to the final. The Scorchers became the first Southern African nation to reach the final on debut by overcoming Algeria 3-1 in the semi-finals. They lead the tournament in goals scored, netting 12 times, and have won four matches outright, a feat matched only by Nigeria’s debut in 1998.

The team’s offensive firepower largely stems from the Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, who have combined for nine goals. Temwa leads the tournament scorers with five goals and two assists, while Tabitha has scored four, including two in the semi-final. Other key contributors include Bernadetta Mkandawire, who has provided two assists, and goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo, who made eight saves in the semi-final to keep Malawi in control.

Despite facing adversity with red cards in two matches, Malawi’s resilience has been evident throughout the tournament.

A Historic Encounter

This final will be the first-ever meeting between Cameroon and Malawi, adding another layer of significance. It will also be only the third WAFCON final featuring a Central African side against a Southern African team, with past results favoring Central Africa.

The contrasting styles—Cameroon’s defensive discipline versus Malawi’s attacking prowess—promise an engaging contest. Historically, nine of the previous 13 WAFCON finals were won by teams that kept clean sheets, suggesting a tight match.

A victory for Cameroon would make them the third nation to win both the men’s and women’s African Cup of Nations titles, joining Nigeria and South Africa. For Malawi, winning would mark an extraordinary achievement as only the second Southern African nation to claim the WAFCON crown after South Africa.

As the teams prepare for kickoff at 10pm EAT, the football world awaits a final that could rewrite African women’s football history.