Morocco vs Cameroon: Players to Watch in the WAFCON 2026 Semi-Final

Rabat – Morocco and Cameroon will meet in the second semi-final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) today, with both teams one victory away from reaching the tournament final.

The hosts head into this matchup on a massive hot streak after beating South Africa 2-1 in the quarter-finals, while Cameroon produced one of the tournament’s biggest surprises by eliminating defending champions Nigeria 1-0.

The two sides have already secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup by reaching the last four. Now, their focus is on reaching the final and taking another step toward continental glory.

Several players could prove decisive in what is expected to be a closely contested encounter.

Morocco: Players to watch

Sakina Ouzraoui – Morocco’s attacking threat

Sakina Ouzraoui has already made her mark at this WAFCON and remains one of Morocco’s most dangerous attacking players.

The forward scored in Morocco’s opening 4-0 victory over Kenya and was again on target in the quarter-final against South Africa, giving the Atlas Lionesses the lead.

Her pace, movement and ability to attack spaces behind defenders make her particularly dangerous against a Cameroon side that is likely to defend in a compact shape.

Ouzraoui has also been identified by FIFA as one of the key players in Morocco’s generation, with the forward playing an important role in the team’s push for another Women’s World Cup appearance.

Ibtissam Jraidi – The experienced finisher

Morocco can also rely on the experience of Ibtissam Jraidi, one of the country’s most proven goalscorers.

Jraidi announced herself at the tournament with two goals against Kenya in the opening match, helping Morocco to a 4-0 victory.

The Al Ahli forward also has major international experience. She became the first Moroccan and Arab player to score at a FIFA Women’s World Cup when she found the net against South Korea in 2023.

Her ability to find space inside the penalty area and finish chances quickly could be crucial against Cameroon’s disciplined defense.

Ghizlane Chebbak – Morocco’s creative leader

Even when she is not scoring, captain Ghizlane Chebbak remains one of Morocco’s most influential players.

The veteran midfielder was the top scorer at both the 2022 and 2024 WAFCON editions, while she was also named Player of the Tournament in 2022.

Chebbak brings experience, creativity and dangerous set-piece delivery. Her ability to control the tempo and create chances between the lines could be particularly important if Cameroon sit deep.

For Morocco, the semi-final could once again be a moment for their captain to show why she has been one of Africa’s leading players for several years.

Hanane Ait El Haj – A threat from the right

Hanane Ait El Haj could also play an important role for Morocco.

The experienced right-back was directly involved in the quarter-final victory over South Africa, providing the assist for Ouzraoui’s opening goal before also scoring Morocco’s second from the penalty spot.

Her ability to contribute going forward gives Morocco another attacking option and could force Cameroon’s wide players to spend more time defending.

Cameroon: Players to watch

Marie Gisèle Ngah Manga – Cameroon’s main attacking danger

If there is one Cameroonian player Morocco will have to watch closely, it is Marie Gisèle Ngah Manga.

The 23-year-old forward has been one of Cameroon’s biggest attacking weapons at this tournament. She scored three goals in her first two WAFCON appearances, including a brace against Mali, and became the scorer of all three of Cameroon’s goals in those matches.

Her finishing ability and physical presence make her a difficult opponent for defenders.

Cameroon will need Ngah Manga to make the most of what could be limited opportunities against a Moroccan side expected to have more possession.

Myriam Maéva Nyadjou – The unlikely match-winner

Cameroon also has a rising star in defense.

Nineteen-year-old Myriam Maéva Nyadjou became the unlikely hero of Cameroon’s quarter-final victory over Nigeria, scoring the only goal of the match from a direct free-kick.

The goal was particularly impressive because it came in a match where Cameroon had very limited attacking opportunities. Nigeria dominated possession and created several chances, but Cameroon’s defense held firm.

Nyadjou’s performance showed that Cameroon’s danger does not come only from its forwards. Her ability to contribute from set pieces could be another problem for Morocco.

Ajara Nchout Njoya – Experience in big games

Cameroon can also turn to the experience of veteran forward Ajara Nchout Njoya.

Nchout has been one of the most recognizable figures in African women’s football for years and brings considerable experience to Cameroon’s attack.

Her movement and ability to operate in dangerous areas could complement Ngah Manga and give Morocco’s defenders another player to track.

In a semi-final where chances may be limited, a player with Nchout’s experience could make the difference.

A battle between two different strengths

The semi-final could come down to a contrast in styles.

Morocco have shown their ability to build attacks through possession and combinations, with Ouzraoui, Jraidi and Chebbak providing different attacking solutions. Their 4-0 opening victory over Kenya demonstrated the quality they can produce when they find space in the final third.

Cameroon, meanwhile, have demonstrated resilience and defensive discipline. Their 1-0 victory over Nigeria showed their ability to survive pressure and punish opponents through decisive moments.

That could make the first goal extremely important.

For Morocco, the key will be finding ways to break through Cameroon’s defensive structure while preventing Ngah Manga and Nchout from exploiting spaces on the counterattack.

For Cameroon, the challenge will be containing Morocco’s attacking players while making the most of set pieces and transition opportunities.

With a place in the WAFCON final at stake, the match could ultimately be decided by one moment of individual quality.

Morocco vs Cameroon kicks off today at 9 p.m. local time in Rabat.