WAFCON 2026 Final: Things To Know As Malawi, Cameroon Battle For Historic African Crown

Sixteen teams arrived in Morocco hoping to be crowned African champions. Three weeks later, after major upsets, dramatic knockout matches and results that overturned many pre-tournament expectations, the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 has produced a final few would have predicted: debutants Malawi against four-time finalists Cameroon.

The final will be played on Sunday, August 16, at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off scheduled for 9:00pm local time (8:00pm GMT).

Malawi arrived at their first-ever WAFCON as outsiders but have transformed themselves into one of the tournament’s biggest stories. The Scorchers began with a stunning 3-2 victory over defending champions Nigeria, followed it with a 3-1 win over Egypt and finished top of Group C despite losing 2-1 to Zambia in their final group match. They then defeated Ghana 2-1 in the quarter-finals before producing another impressive performance to beat Algeria 3-1 in the semi-finals.

The Chawinga sisters have been central to Malawi’s remarkable campaign. Tabitha Chawinga scored twice against Algeria, while Temwa Chawinga also found the net as the sisters continued their outstanding tournament. Malawi have scored 12 goals in five matches and have found the net in every game.

Read Also: WAFCON 2026: Keeper Bihina Shine As Cameroon Beat Morocco 3-1 On Penalties To Reach Final

Cameroon, meanwhile, have taken a more controlled route to the final. The Indomitable Lionesses went through the group stage unbeaten before eliminating record 10-time champions Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-finals.

They then faced hosts Morocco in a tense semi-final, holding the Atlas Lionesses to a goalless draw after 120 minutes before winning the penalty shootout 3-1.

Cameroon have been particularly impressive defensively. They have conceded only two goals throughout the tournament and have kept three clean sheets. Their goalkeeper also played a decisive role against Morocco during the penalty shootout.

The final carries major historical significance for both nations. Malawi are appearing in the decider at their first-ever WAFCON, while Cameroon are appearing in the final for the fourth time and are back in the title match for the first time since 2016.

Match Details

Match: Cameroon vs Malawi

Competition: TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026

Stage: Final

Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026

Venue: Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat, Morocco

Kick-off: 9:00pm local time (8:00pm GMT)

The match will crown a new African champion. Neither Malawi nor Cameroon have previously won the WAFCON title, meaning Sunday’s final presents both nations with the opportunity to make history.

Head-to-Head

This will be the first meeting between Cameroon and Malawi at the WAFCON. Malawi’s debut at the tournament means there is no previous head-to-head history between the two sides in the competition.

Their performances in Morocco therefore provide a better indication of what to expect. Malawi have been one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking sides, while Cameroon have built their campaign around defensive discipline and organisation.

Key Betting Tips

Double Chance: Cameroon or Draw

Over 2.5 Goals

Both Teams to Score – Yes

Correct Score Prediction: Malawi 1-2 Cameroon

Best Bet

Double Chance: Cameroon or Draw

Malawi’s extraordinary run makes them difficult to dismiss. The Scorchers have already beaten defending champions Nigeria, Ghana and Algeria, while their attacking record shows why they cannot be underestimated. They have scored in every match and have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to respond when games become difficult.

Cameroon, however, have produced one of the tournament’s strongest defensive records. Their ability to keep Nigeria and Morocco from scoring in consecutive knockout matches highlights their organisation and composure under pressure.

Their experience could also prove important. Cameroon have played in three previous WAFCON finals, while Malawi are appearing in their first. The Indomitable Lionesses have never won the competition, giving them another major incentive to finally claim the continental crown.

Prediction

What a way to conclude WAFCON 2026. Malawi have gone from debutants to genuine title contenders by playing fearless, attacking football, with the Chawinga sisters providing the cutting edge. Cameroon, however, have demonstrated an ability to withstand pressure and protect narrow leads, particularly in the knockout rounds.

The contrasting styles could produce a tight final, but Cameroon’s defensive resilience and greater experience of this stage could prove decisive. Malawi are more than capable of scoring, but Cameroon may have enough to edge a historic final.

Prediction: Malawi 1-2 Cameroon.