WAFCON: Benzina and Ait El Haj named in Team of the Tournament

Atlas Lionesses

Two Morocco defenders have been selected in CAF’s best XI for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

On 21/08/2026 at 12h00

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled its Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 Team of the Tournament on Friday, August 21, including two Atlas Lionesses in the selection.

The 4-3-3 lineup features players from five countries, chosen for their influence, consistency, and impact on their respective teams’ performances.

CAF selected two Moroccan players: center-back Nouhaila Benzina and right-back and vice-captain Hanane Ait El Haj.

Cameroon’s Michaely Bihina, the tournament’s best goalkeeper, was selected in goal. The defense includes Benzina, Algeria’s Inès Belloumou, Cameroon’s Myriam Nyadjou, and Ait El Haj.

The midfield features Cameroon’s Monique Ngock, Algeria’s Marine Dafeur, and Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga. The attacking line consists of Zambia’s Barbra Banda, Cameroon’s Marie Ngah Manga, and Malawi’s Tabitha Chawinga.

Monique Ngock was named the tournament’s best player, while her 19-year-old Cameroon teammate Myriam Nyadjou was named best young player. Temwa Chawinga of Malawi finished as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals and two assists.

CAF also named Cameroon coach Valentine Nguele as the tournament’s best coach.

Cameroon won its first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in history after beating Malawi 3-0 in the final. Morocco finished fourth and also secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

By Oumeïma Er-rafay
On 21/08/2026 at 12h00