Cameroon’s Monique Ngock and Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga Shine in WAFCON 2026
In a thrilling conclusion to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Cameroonian midfielder Monique Ngock has been honored with the prestigious title of Best Player of the tournament. Her outstanding performances throughout the competition have cemented her place as a key figure in the game.
Competing alongside her for recognition, Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga was celebrated for her remarkable goal-scoring ability, finishing the tournament as the Top Scorer. Chawinga netted five goals and provided two assists, marking a significant achievement for Malawi, who were participating in their first-ever AFCON.
The competition saw Chawinga outperform notable forwards, including Zambia’s Barbra Banda, Ivory Coast’s Ines Konan, and her fellow compatriot Marie Ngah, each of whom also contributed five goals. However, it was Chawinga’s additional assists that distinguished her in the race for the top scorer title.
In the goalkeeper category, the award went to Michaely Bihina from Benfica. Her stellar performances were pivotal, particularly in the high-stakes matches against Nigeria and Morocco. Bihina’s ability to save a crucial penalty at the end of extra time during the semi-finals and her resilience in stopping three penalties in the shootout showcased her as a formidable last line of defense for the Indomitable Lionesses.
Overview of the 2026 WAFCON Awards
The highlights from the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations are as follows:
- Best Player: Monique Ngock
- Top Scorer: Temwa Chawinga
- Best Goalkeeper: Michaely Bihina
- Fair Play Award: Algeria
This year’s edition of WAFCON took place from July 26th to August 16th in Morocco, with matches hosted at venues in Rabat and Casablanca. Cameroon’s journey culminated in a climactic final where they triumphed over Malawi, solidifying their status among Africa’s top women’s football nations.
For fans and followers of women’s football, the 2026 tournament offered a captivating showcase of talent, resilience, and the spirit of competition, highlighting the growth and potential of the sport across the continent.
