Wafcon 2026: Cameroon's Upset Victory Signals Shift in African
Short overview
The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations saw Cameroon claim their first title with upset wins over Nigeria and Morocco, while Malawi reached the final. Experts discuss what this changing of the guard means for the sport's future.
The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) delivered a tournament of shocks and surprises, culminating in Cameroon's first-ever title and a fairytale run from Malawi. The build-up was chaotic, with short-notice changes to qualification and the tournament dates, but the action on the pitch provided a compelling narrative of changing fortunes in African women's football.
A Tournament of Upsets
Cameroon's path to glory was marked by upset victories over continental heavyweights Nigeria and Morocco. The team's success was powered by standout performances from Monique Ngock and Michaely Bihina, who emerged as stars of the tournament. Malawi, meanwhile, enjoyed a remarkable journey to the final, fueled by goals from the Chawinga sisters.
What This Means for the Future
The shifting of the guard at Wafcon raises questions about the future of women's football in Africa. In a special episode of BBC's 'More than the Score', host Sophia Hartley spoke with journalists Busisiwe Mokwena and Biola Solace-Chukwu to unpack the key takeaways from the tournament and what lies ahead for the players and teams that made their mark.
The discussion goes beyond the scoresheet, exploring the broader implications for the sport's growth and development across the continent.
About 'More than the Score'
'More than the Score' brings stories from the world of sport, covering everything from Formula One to netball, MMA to figure skating, and Grand Slam tennis to Diamond League athletics. The programme features interviews with extraordinary athletes and behind-the-scenes experts, including football super-agents and coaches. BBC's top journalists also share insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.
Listeners are invited to share their own takes on the stories covered by emailing [email protected] or WhatsApp at 0044 800 032 0470. More information and the privacy notice are available at www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore.
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