WAFCON 2026: Monique Ngock Named Woman of the Match as Cameroon Reach Quarter-Finals
Cameroon midfielder Monique Ngock was named the TotalEnergies Woman of the Match after inspiring the Indomitable Lionesses to a 1-0 victory over Ghana that secured their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Sunday.
The 21-year-old produced a composed display in midfield as Cameroon controlled key phases of the Group D contest at Moulay Rachid Stadium, limiting Ghana’s attacking threat after Marie Gisele Ngah Manga converted a 19th-minute penalty to settle the match.
The victory moved Cameroon to the top of Group D with a maximum six points from two matches, guaranteeing qualification for the knockout stage. Ghana, who began the tournament with a 2-0 win over Cape Verde, remain on three points heading into their final group fixture.
Ngock dictated the tempo with assured passing, shielded the back line effectively and helped Cameroon transition quickly from defence to attack. Ghana enjoyed periods of pressure, particularly late in the match, but failed to find an equaliser despite creating several promising opportunities.
Cameroon’s decisive moment came after a lengthy VAR review resulted in a penalty in the 19th minute. Ngah Manga calmly converted from the spot, adding to the two goals she scored in Cameroon’s 2-1 opening victory over Mali, a match in which Ngock also registered an assist.
Born in Mfou on Sept. 17, 2004, Ngock has become one of Cameroon’s most promising midfielders since making her senior international debut in 2022. She represented the Lionesses at the 2022 WAFCON as a teenager and has since developed her career in France with Reims and Fleury before earning a move to NWSL side Washington Spirit, whom she is expected to join after the tournament.
Cameroon remain in contention for a first continental title after finishing runners-up on three previous occasions. They conclude the group stage against Cape Verde, while Ghana must avoid defeat against Mali to keep their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive.
