Cameroon Crowned WAFCON Champions After Dominant Final Victory Over Malawi

Cameroon secured their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title with a commanding 3-0 win over debutants Malawi in Sunday’s final in Rabat.

The Indomitable Lionesses delivered a clinical performance to end their long wait for continental glory, having previously fallen short in three finals.

Marie Ngah Manga proved the heroine for Cameroon, netting twice to draw level with tournament top scorers Temwa Chawinga and Barbra Banda on five goals apiece.

The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute when Ngah Manga rose highest to head home from close range, giving Cameroon a deserved lead.

Naomi Eto doubled the advantage just ten minutes later with a spectacular volley that left the Malawi defence helpless.

Eto then turned provider in first-half stoppage time, setting up Ngah Manga for her second goal as Cameroon went into the break with a commanding three-goal cushion.

Malawi, competing in their maiden WAFCON tournament, found the experienced Cameroon defence impenetrable throughout the contest.

The Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, who had been instrumental in Malawi’s fairytale run to the final, were effectively neutralised by Cameroon’s defensive organisation.

Ngah Manga came close to completing her hat-trick early in the second period but fired wide after rounding Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo.

The Scorchers’ best opportunity arrived past the hour mark when Tabitha Chawinga’s effort was saved by Michaely Bihina, with the striker unable to convert the rebound.

The victory represents a remarkable resurgence for Cameroon, who missed the 2024 tournament and initially failed to qualify for this year’s competition following a 3-1 aggregate defeat to Algeria before securing their place via world ranking.

Cameroon now joins Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and South Africa as winners of the continental championship.

The newly crowned champions will represent Africa at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil alongside Malawi, Algeria, and hosts Morocco.