Malawi and Cameroon advance to WAFCON final with World Cup qualification secured
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals concluded with Malawi defeating Algeria and Cameroon overcoming Morocco, ensuring all four remaining nations secure spots in the 2026 World Cup in Brazil.
Malawi and Cameroon have secured their places in the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following decisive victories over Algeria and Morocco respectively. The outcomes of the semi-finals, reported by Al Jazeera Global News, confirm that all four remaining teams have qualified for the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Brazil, a significant structural milestone for the tournament’s participant nations.
Malawi, ranked 153rd globally and making their WAFCON debut, defeated Algeria 3-1 in the first semi-final. The match was anchored by the performance of Tabitha Chawinga, who plays for Lyon in France’s top league, scoring two goals in the 33rd and 76th minutes. Her sister, Temwa Chawinga of the Kansas City Current in the NWSL, added the third goal. The contest was marked by disciplinary issues, with Algeria’s Morgane Belkhiter and Malawi’s Rose Kadzere both receiving red cards, leaving both sides with 10 players for the second half.
In the opposing semi-final, Cameroon advanced to the title match after a penalty shootout victory against Morocco, following a goalless draw. The match, attended by more than 19,000 spectators at Moulay Al Hassan Stadium, saw Morocco dominate possession during regulation time. Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina was instrumental in the shootout, saving three penalty attempts. Myriam Maéva Nyadjou scored the decisive penalty to send Cameroon through, marking their third appearance in the WAFCON semi-finals.
The qualification results have established the competitive landscape for the 2026 World Cup. Malawi and Algeria will make their World Cup debuts, while Morocco, having reached the round of 16 in 2023, will make its second appearance. Cameroon, a participant in the 2015 and 2019 editions, will face Malawi in the final on Sunday. This outcome reinforces the tournament’s role in expanding global representation in women’s football.
The remaining quarterfinal losers will compete for the final World Cup berth. Nigeria will face South Africa, and Ghana will play Ivory Coast in Casablanca on Thursday. The winners of these matches will advance to an intercontinental playoff, maintaining the pathway for additional national teams to enter the global competition structure.
