Benin’s Amazones make history: first IHF Zone 3 trophy secured in Ouagadougou, what it means for their CAN 2026 hopes

On Sunday, September 6, 2026, the Palais des Sports de Ouaga 2000 hosted the final of the IHF Women’s Nations Trophy for Zone 3. In a thrilling and closely contested match that kept everyone on edge until the final whistle, Benin’s national women’s team edged out Côte d’Ivoire 29–28, claiming the first-ever title in this competition and punching their ticket directly to the 2026 African Women’s Handball Cup of Nations (CAN).

This victory etches Benin’s handball story in golden letters. After a demanding and well-managed campaign on Burkinabè soil, the Amazones made history in this inaugural event reserved for West African senior women’s selections. The triumph rewards the solid groundwork laid by the national federation and elevates Benin among the region’s top handball nations.

A final full of suspense

Facing an experienced and sharp Ivorian side, the Beninese players had to dig deep to turn the match in their favor. From the opening minutes, the physical intensity was at its peak, with neither team able to establish a commanding lead.

The decisive moments came in the closing stages. Thanks to solid defensive work and remarkable composure in their attacking plays, the Beninese squad managed to preserve a precious one-goal advantage at the final whistle.

The reward for a heroic journey

This final victory caps a memorable tournament for Benin. In the semifinals, the Amazones had already impressed by eliminating Nigeria 38–37 after extra time, in one of the competition’s most spectacular matches.

With this triumph, the Beninese handball players not only lift the Zone 3 continental trophy but also secure their place in the 2026 Women’s African Cup of Nations finals, scheduled to take place in Tunisia. This provides an ideal platform to continue flying the national colors high on the African stage.