Bihina, Chawinga Sisters Set for WAFCON Final Showdown

Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina will come face to face with Malawi’s prolific Chawinga sisters when the Indomitable Lionesses and the Scorchers meet in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat on Sunday.

The eagerly anticipated final pits Malawi’s free-scoring attack against a Cameroon defence that has conceded just twice in five matches, setting up a fascinating battle between two contrasting styles.

Malawi have been one of the tournament’s biggest surprises, scoring 12 goals on their way to their first WAFCON final. Much of their attacking threat has come from sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, who have scored four and five goals respectively.

Temwa, who plays for Kansas City Current, and elder sister Tabitha of Lyon have transformed Malawi from outsiders into genuine title contenders after a remarkable run that has included victories over Nigeria, Egypt and Algeria.

The Scorchers defeated Nigeria 3-2 before recording 3-1 victories over Egypt and Algeria, with the Chawingas repeatedly proving decisive in the final third.

Standing between Malawi and a historic first continental title is Cameroon’s Bihina, who has emerged as one of the stars of the tournament.

The 22-year-old Benfica goalkeeper produced a remarkable performance in the semi-final against hosts Morocco, saving a penalty during extra time before stopping three more spot-kicks in the shoot-out to send Cameroon through.

Bihina has also been studying Malawi’s attacking threats and admits the Chawinga sisters present a special challenge.

“The Chawinga sisters are special. I have been studying how they operate and, hopefully, it will assist me in the final,” Bihina said.

She added that Cameroon had raised their level during the knockout stages after eliminating Nigeria and Morocco.

“The stronger the opposition, the better we play,” she said.

Malawi, ranked 153rd in the world, are 82 places below Cameroon and entered the competition with little expectation of reaching the final. Victory would therefore rank among the biggest shocks in WAFCON history.

Temwa Chawinga, however, insists the achievement belongs to the entire squad rather than just her and her sister.

“Many of the headlines reflect the goals Tabitha and I have scored, but we are just part of a very talented group of footballers,” she said.

Tabitha echoed that sentiment, stressing that their success depends on the collective effort of the team.

Malawi will, however, be without midfielder Rose Kadzere, who is suspended after being sent off in the semi-final against Algeria.

Beyond continental glory, the finalists are also competing for a record $2 million first prize, while the runners-up will receive $750,000.

The final promises to be a compelling contest between Malawi’s explosive attack and Cameroon’s defensive resilience, with Bihina’s battle against the Chawinga sisters likely to prove decisive.