Why are Bénin’s amazones celebrating a historic handball triumph in Ouagadougou?

On Sunday, september 6, 2026, the final of the IHF Nations Trophy for women in Zone 3 was played at the Palais des Sports de Ouaga 2000. After a thrilling and closely contested match that remained undecided until the final whistle, the women’s national handball team of Bénin defeated Côte d’Ivoire 29-28, securing the very first title of this competition and a direct berth for the 2026 African Women’s Handball Cup of Nations (CAN).

Bénin’s handball story is now written in golden letters. After an intense and controlled run on Burkinabè soil, the Amazones made history in this inaugural edition dedicated to senior women’s national teams from West Africa. This crown rewards the deep groundwork laid by the national handball authorities and lifts Bénin among the major nations of the sub-region.

A final with unbearable suspense

Against an experienced and sharp Ivorian side, the Béninoises had to dig deep to turn the match in their favour. From the very start, the physical commitment was total, with neither team able to build a decisive lead on the scoreboard.

It was in the dying minutes that the game was decided. Showing remarkable defensive solidity and exemplary composure in their structured attacks, the Bénin squad managed to keep a precious one-goal advantage until the referee’s final whistle.

Confirmation of a heroic journey

This final success is the culmination of a memorable tournament for Bénin. In the semi-finals, the Amazones had already impressed by eliminating Nigeria 38-37 after extra time, in one of the most spectacular matches of the competition.

With this victory in the final, the Bénin women’s handball players not only lift the continental trophy for Zone 3, but above all they earn their ticket to the final phase of the 2026 African Women’s Cup of Nations (CAN), scheduled to take place in Tunisia. This presents an ideal stage to continue making the national colours shine at the highest level of African handball.