Cameroon have made history by winning their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title after a convincing 3-0 victory over Malawi in Sunday’s final in Rabat.
Marie Ngah Manga put the Indomitable Lionesses ahead in the 20th minute with a powerful header before Naomi Eto doubled the lead with a superb volley.
Eto then turned provider, setting up Ngah Manga for her second goal just before half-time as Cameroon went into the break with a commanding 3-0 advantage.
Malawi struggled to respond in the second half as Cameroon kept the Scorchers’ attack under control. The Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, who had played key roles in Malawi’s remarkable run to the final, found it difficult to make an impact.
Ngah Manga came close to completing her hat-trick early in the second half after rounding goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo, but she missed the target.
The Scorchers later had a chance to pull one back when Tabitha Chawinga’s effort was saved by Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina, while her follow-up shot went wide.
The title represents a stunning turnaround for Cameroon, who missed the 2024 edition and initially failed to qualify for the 2026 tournament after Algeria won their qualifying tie 3-1 on aggregate. Their participation was eventually secured through their world ranking.
After losing three previous WAFCON finals, Cameroon have finally claimed the continental crown, becoming only the fourth nation to win the competition after Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.
The historic victory also books Cameroon a place at the 2027 Women’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
