Debutants battle Lionesses for first-ever crown

Two debutant teams, Malawi and Cameroon, will clash for the inaugural Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title at the Prince Moulay Al Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Sunday. The match, which begins at 8pm Nigerian time, will see Malawi, ranked 153rd, take on Cameroon, who overcame the hosts Morocco in the semi-finals.

Malawi reached the final by defeating Algeria 3-1, thanks to goals from sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, both playing for OL Lyonnes. Tabitha scored twice, including an overhead effort in the 34th minute and a second in the 76th minute. Her sister Temwa, who plays for KC Current, equalized in first-half stoppage time, moving her and Tabitha to the top of the WAFCON Golden Boot standings with five goals each.

Cameroon secured their place in the final after overcoming Morocco 3-1 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the semi-finals. Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina, 22, played a crucial role, making nine saves and saving a penalty in the quarter-final against Nigeria, and four saves in the penalty shootout win against Morocco.

Both nations have qualified for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil by reaching the semi-finals. Cameroon's path to the final was initially uncertain, as they were only admitted after the Confederation of African Football expanded the tournament from 12 to 16 teams in November.

The final will determine Africa's first women's football champion since the tournament's modern era began.