Cameroon’s strong showing at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has been reflected in the official Best XI, with the champions supplying several players and the head coach to CAF’s selection.
The Confederation of African Football unveiled its tournament team on Thursday, with Cameroon leading the representation ahead of Malawi and Morocco.
Algeria and Zambia also had players recognised, while Nigeria’s Super Falcons were left out of the final selection following their disappointing campaign.
Cameroon claimed their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title with a 3-0 victory over Malawi. PhotoCredit: CAFOnline
Cameroon’s Michaely Bihina was chosen in goal, while Myriam Nyadjou earned a place in the defence.
The Indomitable Lionesses were also represented in midfield by Monique Ngock and in attack by Marie Ngah.
Their dominance extended to the technical area, with Valentine Nguele named head coach of the Best XI after guiding Cameroon through their impressive tournament.
The selection underlines the impact of Cameroon’s campaign, particularly after the Lionesses eliminated Nigeria in the quarterfinals.
Temwa claimed the Golden Boot after scoring five goals and providing two assists, while her sister Tabitha scored four goals. Photocredit: CAFOnline
Malawi also made a strong impression on the selection, with Temwa Chawinga included in midfield and her sister Tabitha Chawinga selected among the forwards.
Their inclusion reflects Malawi’s influence on the tournament, while Zambia’s Barbra Banda completes the attacking trio alongside Tabitha Chawinga and Cameroon’s Marie Ngah.
Banda’s presence further highlights the quality of the individual performances that stood out during the competition.
Morocco provided two defenders, Nohaila Benzina and Hanane Aït El Haj, while Algeria also had two representatives in Ines Belloumou and Marine Dafeur.
No place for the Super Falcons
Nigeria’s absence is particularly notable given the Super Falcons’ status as one of the continent’s most decorated women’s teams.
Their WAFCON campaign ended in the quarterfinals after a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon, before their hopes of reaching the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup were finally extinguished by a 2-1 loss to South Africa in the subsequent playoff.
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That outcome also ended Nigeria’s record of qualifying for every Women’s World Cup since the competition began in 1991.
The Falcons therefore have no representative in CAF’s official tournament XI.
WAFCON 2026 Best XI
Goalkeeper: Michaely Bihina (Cameroon)
Defenders: Ines Belloumou (Algeria), Nohaila Benzina (Morocco), Myriam Nyadjou (Cameroon), Hanane Aït El Haj (Morocco)
Midfielders: Monique Ngock (Cameroon), Temwa Chawinga (Malawi), Marine Dafeur (Algeria)
Forwards: Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi), Marie Ngah (Cameroon), Barbra Banda (Zambia)
Head coach: Valentine Nguele (Cameroon)
PhotoCredit: CAFOnline
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