The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-finals produced unexpected results, with Cameroon and Malawi securing victories to advance to the semifinals.
According to match reports, Cameroon defeated defending champions Nigeria 1-0. Myriam Nyadjou scored the only goal with a direct free kick from around 30 meters in the 20th minute. Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina made multiple key saves against Nigeria, including stops against Gift Monday, Paris Saint-Germain's Jennifer Echegini, and Uchenna Kanu.
Total shots by Nigeria in the quarter-final loss to Cameroon.
Cameroon head coach Valentine Nguele said she wanted her players to play without pressure and conceded that Nigeria were favorites. Cameroon will face Morocco in the semifinals.
In another quarter-final, Malawi defeated Ghana 2-1, according to match reports. Ghana's Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah scored in the 7th minute with a volley after a poorly cleared ball in the box. Malawi's Temwa Chawinga equalized in the 12th minute when her shot from near the edge of the box was deflected into Ghana's own net by the defense.
Ghana's Doris Boaduwaa had a goal disallowed by VAR for offside in the 55th minute. Malawi's Rose Kadzere scored the winning goal in the 79th minute. Malawi head coach is Lovemore Fazili.
Malawi's victory over Ghana secured the country's first-ever qualification for a FIFA Women's World Cup. Malawi will face Algeria in the semifinals.
The four semifinalists are Morocco, Cameroon, Algeria, and Malawi. According to officials, the 2026 WAFCON will have a first-time champion regardless of the semifinal outcomes. Malawi were considered surprise semifinalists, having never reached this stage in their WAFCON history.
