Cameroon win first WAFCON title after beating Malawi 3-0

Cameroon have finally won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The Indomitable Lionesses ended their long wait for continental glory with a convincing 3-0 victory over Malawi in the 2026 WAFCON final in Rabat on Sunday.

Marie Ngah Manga scored twice, while Naomi Eto also found the net as Cameroon produced a dominant first-half performance that effectively decided the final before the break.

The victory represents a major milestone for a nation that had previously reached three WAFCON finals without winning the tournament.

Ngah Manga sets Cameroon on their way

Cameroon took control of the final in the 20th minute. Marie Ngah Manga reacted quickest inside the penalty area to head the ball home from close range, giving the Indomitable Lionesses an early advantage.

Malawi had impressed throughout their historic debut tournament, but Cameroon immediately demonstrated the greater experience required on the biggest stage in African women's football. The opening goal also forced Malawi to chase the game, leaving space for Cameroon's attackers to exploit.

Naomi Eto doubles the lead

Cameroon extended their advantage just 10 minutes later. Naomi Eto produced a superb volley to make it 2-0, putting Malawi in serious trouble before the interval.

The goal was another example of Cameroon's efficiency in front of goal after the team had already produced important results against Nigeria and Morocco during the knockout stages. Malawi struggled to create sustained pressure as the Cameroon defence maintained its shape.

Ngah Manga adds a third before half-time

Cameroon effectively settled the contest in first-half stoppage time. Eto turned provider, creating the opportunity for Ngah Manga to score her second of the night and put Cameroon 3-0 ahead.

The striker could have completed her hat-trick shortly after the restart after rounding Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo, but her finish went wide. Nevertheless, her two goals had already put Cameroon within touching distance of their first WAFCON crown.

Malawi struggle to find a way back

The Scorchers entered the final having already made history simply by reaching the match. The 2026 tournament was Malawi's first appearance at the WAFCON, yet they had defied expectations throughout the competition.

Much of their attacking threat had come from sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, who played decisive roles during Malawi's run to the final. Cameroon, however, managed to limit their influence.

Tabitha came closest to giving Malawi hope after the hour mark when her effort was saved by goalkeeper Michaely Bihina. She then fired the rebound wide. That proved to be one of Malawi's clearest opportunities to reduce the deficit.

A remarkable turnaround for Cameroon

Cameroon's triumph is particularly significant given their recent struggles at the continental level. The Indomitable Lionesses missed the 2024 WAFCON and initially failed to qualify for the expanded 2026 tournament after losing 3-1 on aggregate to Algeria.

Their place at the finals was eventually secured through their world ranking. Once in Morocco, however, Cameroon demonstrated why they remained one of Africa's established women's football powers.

They eliminated defending champions Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-finals before overcoming hosts Morocco on penalties in the semi-finals. The victory over Malawi completed a remarkable knockout-stage campaign.

Cameroon end years of final heartbreak

Before Sunday, Cameroon had appeared in three WAFCON finals without winning the trophy. Those defeats had established the Indomitable Lionesses as one of the continent's consistent challengers without allowing them to join the select group of champions.

That changed in Rabat. Cameroon now become only the fourth nation to win the WAFCON, joining Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa. The achievement also gives a new dimension to Cameroon's women's football history after years of competing in the shadow of more decorated African teams.

Malawi leave with historic achievement

Despite the final defeat, Malawi's tournament will be remembered as one of the competition's biggest breakthrough stories. The Scorchers arrived as WAFCON debutants and eventually reached the final, securing a place at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil in the process.

Their journey included a stunning victory over 10-time champions Nigeria during the group stage before they continued through the knockout rounds.

For a team making its first appearance at the continental championship, reaching the final represents a significant achievement and could provide a foundation for future growth.

Four African Nations book World Cup places

Cameroon's victory means the champions will join Malawi, Algeria and Morocco among the African teams already assured of places at the 2027 Women's World Cup. The tournament in Brazil will therefore feature several teams carrying the momentum of a memorable WAFCON campaign.

For Cameroon, however, the immediate focus is on celebrating a title that had eluded them for decades.

Cameroon 3-0 Malawi: Key Match Facts

Final: Cameroon 3-0 Malawi

Cameroon scorers:

• Marie Ngah Manga - 20'
• Naomi Eto - 30'
• Marie Ngah Manga - first-half stoppage time

Cameroon's breakthrough brings an end to one of the longest waits among Africa's leading women's football nations, while Malawi's extraordinary debut campaign has established the Scorchers as a team to watch ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

SportsLigue