The triumph represents a historic breakthrough for Cameroon, who had previously fallen at the final hurdle on three occasions. Their earlier defeats came in the 2004, 2014 and 2016 finals, all against Nigeria
By Njoku Vincent
Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses have been crowned champions of Africa for the first time after a convincing 3-0 victory over Malawi in the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Rabat, Morocco.
The Cameroonians settled quickly at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium and produced a dominant first-half performance that effectively decided the contest before the interval.
Marie Manga broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, powering a header into the net to give Cameroon the lead.
Naomi Eto extended the advantage nine minutes later, capitalising on Cameroon’s sustained pressure to make it 2-0.
Manga struck again in stoppage time at the end of the first half, completing her brace and sending the Indomitable Lionesses into the dressing room with a commanding three-goal cushion.
Malawi returned from the break determined to stage a comeback, but Cameroon’s organised defence denied the debutants any clear route back into the contest.
The Chawinga sisters, Temwa and Tabitha, who had been instrumental in Malawi’s remarkable run to the final, struggled to make an impact as Cameroon maintained control.
Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina was also impressive between the posts, helping the Indomitable Lionesses preserve their clean sheet and see out the victory.
The triumph represents a historic breakthrough for Cameroon, who had previously fallen at the final hurdle on three occasions. Their earlier defeats came in the 2004, 2014 and 2016 finals, all against Nigeria.
With the victory, Cameroon become only the fourth country to lift the WAFCON trophy, joining Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa in the exclusive group of champions.
The achievement also means Cameroon have now joined Nigeria and South Africa as the only African countries to have won both the men’s and women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles.
Despite the defeat, Malawi can look back on a remarkable maiden WAFCON appearance. The Scorchers shocked defending champions Nigeria in the group stage before overcoming Ghana and Algeria in the knockout stages to reach the final.
The tournament ended with Algeria securing third place after defeating hosts Morocco in the bronze-medal play-off, while Cameroon celebrated a landmark achievement by claiming their first continental women’s football title.