Debutants Malawi to face Cameroon in Women's Africa Cup of Nations final

Debutants Malawi are set to battle Cameroon for their first-ever Women's Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday in Rabat. The final, kicking off at 8pm Nigerian time, will feature two teams who have already secured their spots at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil by reaching the semi-finals.

Malawi advanced to the final by defeating Algeria 3-1, with sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga inspiring the victory. Tabitha, who plays for OL Lyonnes, scored twice, including an impressive overhead kick. Temwa, a player for KC Current, also found the net, bringing her level with Zambia's Barbra Banda at the top of the WAFCON Golden Boot standings with five goals each. The Chawinga sisters are expected to be central to Malawi's aspirations for an unlikely triumph in their tournament debut.

Cameroon, meanwhile, overcame hosts Morocco 3-1 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes in their semi-final. Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina has been a standout performer for Cameroon, making nine saves in the quarter-final against Nigeria and stopping four penalties in the shoot-out against Morocco. Bihina, who joined Benfica this year, was instrumental in denying Morocco a first continental title.

Coach Valentine Nguele praised Bihina's performance, calling it a "stellar performance" and highlighting her "enormous, exceptional qualities." Cameroon's run to the final marks their third appearance in the championship match and their first since 2016. Notably, Cameroon was initially not qualified for the tournament but was admitted after the Confederation of African Football expanded the competition.

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As a former goalkeeper, you know that this is the moment, the ultimate moment, to lift your team to that level. And this young player possessed enormous, exceptional qualities. We knew full well that if we reached this stage, she would do something special. So, we can only encourage her, because she really delivered a stellar performance.