How Cameroon won WAFCON while Temwa Chawinga captured U.S. audiences

How Cameroon won WAFCON while Temwa Chawinga captured U.S. audiences

Author: The Athletic August 17, 2026 Duration: 39:46

The 2026 Women’s African Cup of Nations is in the books. On Sunday night, Cameroon defeated Malawi 3-0 in the final in Rabat, Morocco, to lift their first-ever continental trophy.


While the finale proved one game too many for the Chawinga sisters' Cinderella Story, this WAFCON felt different. How has Temwa Chawinga helped to bring more Americans to WAFCON? And what does it mean to have the forward risen to elite sporting superstar status in Kansas City?


Host Jillian Sakovits is joined by PJ Green of the KC Star to break down ‘The Temwa Effect’ and the special scenes in Kansas City for WAFCON and beyond. The Athletic’s Tamerra Griffin also joins the show to break down what happened in the final.


PLUS: All the best moments from the NWSL weekend, including some major stars returning from extended periods the sidelines.

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HOST: Jillian Sakovits

GUESTS: Tamerra Griffin, PJ Green

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

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Referenced on the show:

Cameroon crowned WAFCON champions for first time with emphatic 3-0 win over Malawi

Soccer in Malawi: How the superstar Chawinga sisters are cultivating a nation’s legacy on Africa’s biggest stage

WAFCON 2026: Cameroon shocks Nigeria, Algeria and Malawi qualify for first Women’s World Cup

NWSL stars at WAFCON feel a responsibility to elevate teammates to similar opportunities

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For anyone who lives and breathes the beautiful game as played by women, Full Time: A show about women's soccer is your essential audio companion. This isn't just a recap show; it's a deep, thoughtful, and often lively exploration of the entire ecosystem. Produced by the journalists at The Athletic, the podcast delivers expert analysis and storytelling you can trust, moving seamlessly from the latest U.S. women’s national team drama to the week's pivotal NWSL results and major stories from leagues across Europe and the globe. Three times a week, hosts Meg Linehan, Tamerra Griffin, and Jillian Sakovits break down the matches, but more importantly, they dig into the culture, context, and consequential conversations that define the sport's moment. You'll hear from fellow reporters, players, coaches, and insiders who provide unique perspectives you won't find anywhere else. Whether it's a transfer saga, a tactical revolution, or a discussion about the broader impact of the game, this is where the narrative gets unpacked. Tune in for a blend of immediate reaction, investigative reporting, and the kind of informed debate that mirrors the passion of the fans themselves. This podcast goes beyond the final whistle to deliver the full story.
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