Cameroon are Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions for the first time after defeating tournament debutants Malawi 3-0 in the final at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
The victory ended years of disappointment for the Indomitable Lionesses, who had previously lost four continental finals. Under head coach Valentine Nguele, Cameroon delivered a decisive first-half display to secure the trophy and the $2 million winners’ prize.
Cameroon made the stronger start and took the lead after 20 minutes. Marie Ngah Manga reacted quickest in the penalty area, powering a close-range header past the Malawi defence.
The Lionesses doubled their advantage 10 minutes later through Naomi Ndjoah Eto. The 21-year-old midfielder met a pass from Myriam Nyadjou and struck a spectacular volley to put Cameroon firmly in control.
Malawi’s hopes suffered another setback shortly before the interval. Ndjoah Eto turned provider, threading a pass through to Ngah Manga, who kept her composure to score her second goal of the final.
Cameroon went into half-time 3-0 ahead and remained in command after the restart.
Malawi had captured the imagination of the continent during a remarkable run to the final. They entered the competition as the lowest-ranked side but repeatedly defied expectations to reach the showpiece match on their tournament debut.
The Scorchers were heavily reliant on the attacking threat of sisters Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga, but the pair found it difficult to make an impact against a well-organised Cameroon defence.
Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina also played a key role, producing a commanding performance as her side kept Malawi out. The Scorchers applied greater pressure in the second half, yet Cameroon managed the match effectively and protected their advantage.
The final whistle confirmed a historic 3-0 success and sealed Cameroon’s first WAFCON crown.
Their route to the title made the achievement even more notable. Cameroon initially failed to qualify after losing to Algeria on aggregate. However, they were given another chance when CAF expanded the tournament from 12 teams to 16.
The Lionesses secured their place through their FIFA world ranking and went on to produce an outstanding knockout-stage campaign. They eliminated 10-time champions Nigeria before defeating hosts Morocco and overcoming Malawi in the final.
The triumph represented a dramatic turnaround for a side that had been described as “lucky losers”. Cameroon completed one of the most remarkable recoveries in WAFCON history, moving from qualification disappointment to becoming African champions.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe presented the trophy to the jubilant Cameroonian squad after the final.
The result also means both finalists have secured places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. For Cameroon, though, the occasion was primarily about ending a long wait for continental success.
The Indomitable Lionesses are finally champions of Africa.
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