The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled a 10-player shortlist for the Women's Player of the Year category at the 2026 CAF Awards, bringing together some of the continent's leading football talents.
Zambia captain Barbra Banda leads a strong list of contenders alongside Malawi's Temwa Chawinga and South African international Thembi Kgatlana.
Cameroon has the highest representation, with Marie Ngah Manga, Michaely Bihina and Monique Ngock all earning nominations.
Malawi also has two representatives through sisters Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga, while Algeria, Ghana, Morocco, South Africa and Zambia each have one nominee.
The complete shortlist features:
- Marine Dafeur – Algeria
- Marie Ngah Manga – Cameroon
- Michaely Bihina – Cameroon
- Monique Ngock – Cameroon
- Portia Boakye – Ghana
- Tabitha Chawinga – Malawi
- Temwa Chawinga – Malawi
- Hanane Aït El Haj – Morocco
- Thembi Kgatlana – South Africa
- Barbra Banda – Zambia
The nominations highlight the growing strength and international profile of women's football across Africa, with established stars and emerging talents competing for one of the continent's most prestigious individual honours.
The winner will be announced at the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony.
