Cameroon have won their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, defeating tournament debutants Malawi 3 to 0 in the final in Rabat, as reported by Morocco World News and AlJazeera . The Indomitable Lionesses settled the contest in the first half, with Marie Ngah Manga scoring twice and Naomi Eto adding another to secure Cameroon’s first continental championship on their fourth appearance in the final.
The victory ends a long wait for Cameroon, who had previously lost three WAFCON finals, all to Nigeria, in 2004, 2014 and 2016. The team combined defensive discipline with an aggressive attacking display, while goalkeeper Michaely Bihina played a key role during the knockout stages, including the semi final penalty shootout against hosts Morocco.
For Malawi, the defeat does little to diminish one of the tournament’s most remarkable campaigns. Making their WAFCON debut, the Scorchers reached the final after defeating defending champions Nigeria in the group stage, overcoming Ghana in the quarter finals and beating Algeria 3 to 1 in the semi finals. The Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, were central to that run, while Malawi also secured qualification for their first FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027.
Cameroon’s triumph reshapes the African women’s football landscape, making them only the fourth nation to win the WAFCON, after Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa. The title also strengthens Cameroon’s position ahead of the 2027 Women’s World Cup, while Malawi’s breakthrough demonstrates the growing depth and competitiveness of women’s football across the continent.
