The Indomitable Lionesses held their nerve in a goalless semi-final before prevailing 3-1 on penalties in Rabat

Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses reached the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final on Wednesday, August 12, after defeating hosts Morocco 3-1 on penalties following a goalless 120 minutes at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

Also read: Ghana Secures WAFCON Knockout Spot Alongside Cameroon Following Draws

The dramatic victory sent Cameroon through to a final against Malawi and ended Morocco’s hopes of claiming the continental title on home soil.

The result was built on patience and defensive discipline rather than attacking dominance. Morocco enjoyed 63.6 per cent possession and produced 13 shots to Cameroon’s seven, but the hosts struggled to turn their control into the kind of clear chances needed to settle the contest.

Cameroon remained compact throughout the 90 minutes, restricting Morocco to three efforts on target and ensuring that the hosts could not make their territorial advantage count.

Neither side found a breakthrough during extra time, leaving the semi-final to be decided from 12 yards.

Morocco appeared to have the early advantage when Hanane Aït El Haj converted the opening penalty. Cameroon responded through Marie Ngah before the pressure began to tell on the hosts.

Kenza Chapelle missed Morocco’s second attempt, while Grâce Davila Mendoua was unable to convert Cameroon’s second kick.

Maryame Atiq Ez-Zity then missed Morocco’s third penalty, allowing Rose Bella to score for Cameroon and put the Indomitable Lionesses ahead.

Sakina Ouzraoui subsequently missed Morocco’s fourth attempt. Myriam Nyadjou then held her nerve to convert Cameroon’s decisive penalty and seal the 3-1 shootout victory.

The victory represents a significant achievement for Cameroon, who have long been among the established powers of women’s football in Africa. The Indomitable Lionesses now have another opportunity to add to their record at the continent’s premier women’s tournament.

For Morocco, the defeat was particularly painful. The hosts had the backing of a home crowd and controlled much of the match, but their inability to convert possession into goals ultimately proved costly.

The defeat also continues a difficult pattern for Morocco against Cameroon at this stage of the competition.

The Atlas Lionesses had reached the previous two WAFCON finals, but their latest campaign ended one step short of another appearance.

Cameroon’s final opponents will be Malawi, who produced another remarkable result earlier on Wednesday by defeating Algeria 3-1.

Malawi’s victory was powered by sisters Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga. Tabitha scored twice, while Temwa added another goal as the debutants secured their place in the championship match.

That sets up an intriguing final between a seasoned continental force and one of the tournament’s most unexpected success stories.

For Malawi, reaching the final is already a historic achievement. The Chawinga sisters have been central to the team’s memorable run, giving the tournament one of its most compelling human-interest stories.

For Cameroon, however, the focus will now turn towards finishing the job.

The penalty triumph over Morocco demonstrated the Lionesses’ composure under immense pressure, but the final will present a different challenge against a Malawi side that has shown both attacking quality and fearless ambition.

The final is scheduled for August 16 in Rabat, bringing the tournament back to the same city where Cameroon produced their dramatic semi-final triumph. The 2026 WAFCON runs from July 26 to August 16 in Morocco, with 16 teams competing for the continental crown.

Also read: Nigeria Face Tough Cameroon Test in WAFCON Quarter-finals

After 120 tense minutes against the hosts, Cameroon now stand one victory away from lifting the trophy.