Cameroon have been crowned champions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the first time after defeating tournament debutants Malawi 3–0 in the final in Rabat.
The Indomitable Lionesses produced a commanding performance to secure their maiden continental title, with Malawi unable to replicate the attacking form that had carried them to a historic first WAFCON final.
Cameroon’s defence kept a close watch on Malawi’s influential Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, limiting their impact throughout the match.
Ngah Manga was among Cameroon’s standout performers and came close to completing a hat-trick early in the second half, but she missed from close range with the goal at her mercy.
Malawi responded with their best opportunity shortly after the hour mark when Tabitha Chawinga’s effort was saved by Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina. The striker was unable to convert the rebound, sending her follow-up effort wide.
Cameroon sealed the victory with a third goal created by Eto, who rounded Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo before setting up Ngah Manga to score her fifth goal of the tournament.
The triumph marks a remarkable turnaround for Cameroon, who missed the 2024 WAFCON and initially failed to qualify for the 2026 tournament after losing 3–1 on aggregate to Algeria.
They eventually secured a place in the expanded 16-team tournament through their world ranking after CAF increased the number of participating nations from 12 to 16.
The victory also ends Cameroon’s wait for a WAFCON title after three previous defeats in the final.
With their historic triumph, the Indomitable Lionesses become only the fourth nation to win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, joining Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa among the competition’s champions.
