Sunday 9th August 2026 will go down in football history as a day that defied logic in the most stunning way imaginable. In it’s wake lies uncharted territory with just one guarantee, a new WAFCON champion will be crowned in 2026.
First, in Casablanca, the top seeded, ten time winners and WAFCON reigning champions Nigeria crashed out. Their opponents? A Cameroon side that failed to qualify for this edition and were given a reprieve by the expanded format. Second, the lowest ranked side, who are making their debut at WAFCON, Malawi, stunned another top seed in Ghana, to make the semi finals.
All in all the quarter finals saw CAF’s top three FIFA ranked sides eliminated. While sides ranked 71st, 74th and 153rd progressed, not only to the semi finals of WAFCON but also to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil next year. This is the story of how an unforgettable night unfolded.
Reigning champions toppled by Indomitable excellence
Victory for Cameroon was inspired by two young defensive starlets. The Indomitable Lionesses took the lead with an incredible free kick from Myriam Nyadjou who rifled the ball into the top corner from 30 yards out. The 19-year-old centre back was a staunch leader at the back, making 12 defensive contributions on the day. Then it was the turn of Michaely Bihina in between the sticks for Cameroon to shine. The 22-year-old Benfica goalkeeper made nines saves and quite incredibly, eight of those were made inside the box. Bihina kept a clean sheet despite Cameroon conceding 4 big chances to Nigeria. Cameroon failed to create a single big chance of their own, but they did not need to. Valentine Nguele’s side held onto their one goal advantage, beating Nigeria for the just the second time in 14 WAFCON meetings, condemning their opponents to their worst ever showing at the tournament.
It was a chastening night for the Super Falcons who failed to qualify for the semi finals and the World Cup directly for the first time ever. They will, with some justification feel unlucky to have met a Michaely Bihina in such inspired form. Nigeria were the better team for large portions of the match and perhaps ironically, this was likely their best performance in the competition so far. However that finishing touch would evade them. One particular moment will live long in the Nigerian memory, as late on Esther Okoronwko was slipped through one-on-one with Bihina. With record goal scorer Asisat Oshoala open for a tap in, Okoronwko went for goal instead and toe poked her effort wide of the post.
All hope is not lost for Justine Madugu’s side, they will face fellow defeated quarter finalists South Africa for a place in the inter continental play offs.
Malawi make WAFCON history and defy expectations
When the quarter final draw became clear many predicted that reigning champions Nigeria and the third placed side from 2025, Ghana were on a collision course to meet in the final. However one merciless WAFCON evening later and both had been dumped out of the competition. After being a pleasant surprise in last year’s edition, Ghana had failed to impress thus far in WAFCON 2026. The Black Queens came second in their group with four points, and that meant they’d face the lowest ranked side in the competition, Malawi.
Despite an impressive tournament from the debutants a routine victory for Ghana was expected. After all, in Ghana’s final warm up game for the tournament The Black Queens had beaten Malawi 4-0. All was going to plan for Kim Björkegren’s side when Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah scored an exceptional volley to give Ghana the lead. It wouldn’t last, a deflected effort from taliswoman Temwa Chawinga got Malawi back on terms. In the second half, the unthinkable, Malawi took the lead with ten minutes to play. Temwa cut the back back into the path of Rose Kadzere whose heavily touch was perfectly weighted to elude capture by the Ghanian defence. Kazere composed herself before she slid the ball under Cynthia Konlan and into the net. Malawi held on, and in truth they were good value for their victory showing the just rewards that investment can have on a team. That winning goal gave Kansas City Current striker Temwa Chawinga the joint most goal involvements in the competition. She and her sister, Tabitha, mean that Malawi always have a chance, against whomever they are facing.
Another starred in the shock win was 22-year-old defender Irene Khumalo. Khumalo had the most touches, the most defensive contributions and most passes into the final third. Major tournaments have a habit of taking on a life of their own, this one has fuelled Malawi and simultaneously drained Ghana even before last night that was evident. While Björkegren lamented the result as the ‘worst feeling I had in 20 years of coaching.’ For Malawi, it was unbridled joy, such is the nature of football.
Malawi currently sit 153rd in the FIFA World Rankings, no team that played at WAFCON 2026 was ranked lower. They will now play at their first World Cup. To put that into context, the lowest ranked side at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 were neighbours Zambia who were 80th. Malawi currently sit 73 places below that marker.
The aftermath
On Saturday night both Algeria and Morocco had booked their place in the semi finals, with Algeria claiming their first ever WAFCON knockout victory over Ivory Coast. That win means the Fennecs are now just the second North African nation to qualify for the Women’s World Cup. The semi finals look like this: Morocco vs Cameroon and Malawi vs Algeria.
The play in games for a spot in the inter continental play offs promise to be just as appetising with the two most recent WAFCON champions facing off, South Africa vs Nigeria while Ghana face Ivory Coast in the other tie. A chance of redemption remains. History was made last night in Morocco, and WAFCON 2026 is far from done yet.
Where to watch the remaining matches at WAFCON 2026
Wednesday 12th August
Semi final – 6pm
Algeria vs Malawi – Channel Four Sport Youtube
Semi final – 9pm
Morocco vs Cameroon – Channel Four Sport Youtube
Thursday 13th August
Play in match – 6pm
South Africa vs Nigeria – Channel Four Sport Youtube
Play in match – 9pm
Ivory Coast vs Ghana – Channel Four Sport Youtube
Saturday 15th August
Third place play off – 6pm
Morocco/Cameroon vs Algeria/Malawi – Channel Four Sport Youtube
Sunday 16th August
Final – 8pm
Morocco/Cameroon vs Algeria/Malawi – E4
