The Confederation of African Football has unveiled the Best XI of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with Cameroon emerging as the dominant force in the selection.
According to the Best XI posted on CAF’s X handle on Thursday, Cameroon led the way with multiple players recognised for their performances, followed by Malawi and Morocco.
Algeria and Zambia also secured places in the team.
Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina was selected between the posts, while the defensive line features Algeria’s Ines Belloumou, Morocco’s Nohaila Benzina and Hanane Aït El Haj, alongside Cameroon’s Myriam Nyadjou.
The midfield comprises Cameroon’s Monique Ngock, Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga and Algeria’s Marine Dafeur.
Malawi’s attacking threat was further represented by Tabitha Chawinga, who joins Cameroon’s Marie Ngah and Zambia’s Barbra Banda in the forward line.
Cameroon’s Valentine Nguele was named head coach of the Best XI following her team’s campaign.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons, who were eliminated by Cameroon in the WAFCON quarter-finals, did not have any player included in the Best XI.
The Falcons lost 1-0 to Cameroon in the quarter-finals before subsequently losing 2-1 to South Africa in the play-off for a place in the intercontinental play-offs for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The defeat to South Africa ended Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the tournament and brought to an end the country’s record of appearing at every edition of the Women’s World Cup since its inception in 1991.
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)
