Cameroon coach Valentine Nguele says a clear game plan, detailed scouting and a united squad were central to the Indomitable Lionesses winning their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.
The Lionesses completed a perfect campaign by beating Malawi 3-0 in the final at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, finishing the tournament with six victories from six matches.
Nguele, who was appointed only two months before the tournament, said the short preparation period was used to establish a clear tactical approach and ensure the players fully embraced the demands of the coaching staff.
“About two months ago, we put a game plan in place, conducted effective scouting, and the players embraced the work. We then set out to showcase something here at the tournament.”
The coach’s approach produced immediate results as Cameroon progressed through the competition without dropping a point before facing Malawi in the final.
Rather than focusing on the prospect of winning the trophy from the outset, Nguele said the team concentrated on each individual match and remained conscious of the journey that had brought them to the tournament.
“We had to take it match by match, see how we would progress through the tournament, and—above all—remain humble, bearing in mind where we had come from.”
That mentality became a defining feature of Cameroon’s campaign, with the players maintaining their focus despite the increasing expectations surrounding them as they advanced towards the final.
Nguele also credited the squad’s togetherness and willingness to endure difficult periods during their preparation.
“I think it’s a combination of all those factors—specifically, a group that was solid from the very foundation. The players also accepted the need to endure hardship over those two months without ever letting up. Every match was like a final.”
That approach ultimately delivered a flawless tournament record.
“They proved they could finish the job—six matches, six finals, and that was it.”
Cameroon carried their momentum into the final and quickly established control against Malawi, who were appearing in their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final.
Marie Ngah Manga gave the Lionesses the lead after 20 minutes when she finished from close range.
Malawi’s route to the final had been built largely around the attacking threat of sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga. The pair had been among the key figures in the Scorchers’ unexpected run, but Cameroon’s defence succeeded in limiting their influence in the decisive match.
The Lionesses increased their advantage after 30 minutes when Naomi Eto scored with a volley to put Cameroon 2-0 ahead.
Malawi struggled to find a response before the interval and Cameroon took advantage again in stoppage time.
Naomi Eto went around goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo before setting up Ngah Manga, who completed the move and scored her fifth goal of the tournament.
The third goal effectively settled the final before half-time and gave Cameroon a comfortable platform from which to see out the match.
The victory represents a landmark moment for Cameroonian women’s football. Despite being one of the established teams on the continent, Cameroon had never previously won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
