Cameroon reached the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 on Wednesday night after defeating hosts Morocco 3-1 on penalties following a dramatic goalless semifinal in Rabat.
The Indomitable Lionesses held their nerve in the shootout at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium after 120 minutes failed to produce a goal, with Morocco left to rue a golden opportunity to win the contest when Fatima Tagnaout missed a penalty in extra time.
Cameroon converted three of their four kicks in the shootout through Marie Ngah, Rose Bella and Myriam Nyadjou, while Morocco managed only one successful effort, scored by Hanane Aït El Haj.
Kenza Chapelle, Meryem Atiq and Sakina Ouzraoui all failed to convert for the Atlas Lionesses as Cameroon completed another major knockout victory after eliminating defending champions Nigeria 1-0 in the quarterfinals.
The victory sends Cameroon into their fourth WAFCON final and ends Morocco's hopes of reaching the continental showpiece for a third successive edition.
TIGHT CONTEST PRODUCED FEW OPENINGS
The match began cautiously, with both sides unwilling to take unnecessary risks in a semifinal carrying enormous stakes.
Morocco, backed by a passionate home crowd, looked to use the flanks and attempted to impose greater control of possession, while Cameroon remained compact and disciplined without abandoning their own attacking ambitions.
Neither side was able to find a breakthrough before the interval as the two defences dominated proceedings.
Morocco increased the tempo after the restart and coach Jorge Vilda turned to his bench in an attempt to provide greater attacking energy.
The result was particularly significant for Cameroon, who had lost all three of their previous WAFCON penalty shootouts, including a semifinal defeat by Nigeria in 2018.They have now overcome Nigeria and hosts Morocco in successive knockout matches to secure a place in the continental final.
For Morocco, the defeat brings a painful end to their bid to reach a third consecutive WAFCON final and claim their first African title on home soil.
For Cameroon, a campaign already transformed by their quarterfinal victory over 10-time champions Nigeria has produced another major result — and the Indomitable Lionesses are now one victory away from becoming African champions.
> > > COURTESY OF CAF OFFICIAL SITE