Cameroon have finally reached the summit of African women’s football after defeating Malawi 3-0 in the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, securing the country’s first ever WAFCON title.
The Indomitable Lionesses delivered a dominant performance at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, settling the contest with three goals before half time. Marie Gisèle Ngah Manga scored twice, while Naomi Ndjoah Eto added the other goal as Cameroon turned a historic opportunity into a memorable championship victory.
The triumph is particularly significant for Cameroon because the team had previously reached the WAFCON final three times, in 2004, 2014 and 2016, only to finish as runners up on each occasion. Their latest appearance finally brought an end to that painful sequence and delivered the trophy that had repeatedly escaped them.
Cameroon also entered the tournament under unusual circumstances. The Lionesses had initially failed to qualify for the expanded competition but were subsequently reinstated after CAF increased the number of participating teams from 12 to 16. They made the most of their second chance, eventually completing one of the most remarkable redemption stories in the tournament’s history.
Malawi, meanwhile, arrived at the final as one of the tournament’s biggest surprise packages. The Scorchers were appearing in the WAFCON for the first time and had already produced a series of outstanding results, including a memorable victory over defending champions Nigeria during the group stage.
Their run to the final also secured Malawi qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, adding another historic achievement to their campaign.
However, Cameroon proved too strong once the final began.
Malawi started brightly and created an early opportunity when Chikondi Gondwe found herself in a promising position inside the penalty area. Her effort was dealt with by Cameroon’s goalkeeper Michaely Bihina, who once again demonstrated why she had become such an important figure for the Lionesses during the tournament.
Cameroon gradually took control and opened the scoring in the 20th minute.
Marie Gisèle Ngah Manga rose to meet a dangerous delivery and headed the ball beyond Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo. The goal gave Cameroon the breakthrough and immediately shifted the momentum of the final in their favour.
The Lionesses were relentless after taking the lead.
Just nine minutes later, Naomi Ndjoah Eto doubled Cameroon’s advantage. The forward had earlier missed an opportunity to score when she fired wide in a one on one situation, but she made no mistake with her next chance.
Eto’s goal in the 29th minute left Malawi facing a two goal deficit and placed Cameroon firmly in control.
Malawi struggled to regain their earlier attacking rhythm, while Cameroon continued to create openings.
The pressure eventually produced another goal in first half stoppage time.
Ngah Manga struck again in the 45th minute plus three minutes, completing her brace and sending Cameroon into the interval with a commanding 3-0 advantage.
The second half became a completely different challenge for Malawi. With Cameroon holding a three goal lead, the Indomitable Lionesses were able to manage the game more comfortably while the Scorchers searched for a way back.
Malawi did create opportunities, including a second half effort from captain Tabitha Chawinga, but Bihina remained alert in the Cameroon goal.
Cameroon also had chances to extend their advantage. Ngah came close to completing a hat trick early in the second half but was unable to convert another one on one opportunity.
Despite Malawi’s efforts, Cameroon maintained their defensive organisation and protected their three goal advantage until the final whistle.
The victory represents a landmark moment for Cameroonian women’s football.
For years, the Indomitable Lionesses had been one of Africa’s strongest teams without actually winning the continent’s biggest women’s international trophy. Their previous final defeats had become part of the team’s history, but the 2026 tournament finally provided redemption.
Their route to the title was also impressive.
Cameroon went through the group stage unbeaten before eliminating record 10 time champions Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter finals. They then overcame hosts Morocco in a dramatic semi final, holding them to a goalless draw after extra time before winning 3-1 on penalties.
That defensive resilience continued into the final, where Cameroon gave Malawi very little opportunity to change the outcome after taking control in the first half.
For Malawi, the defeat cannot overshadow what has been an extraordinary tournament.
The Scorchers reached their first ever WAFCON final, defeated established teams along the way and secured a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Their performance in Morocco has established them as an emerging force in African women’s football.
But Sunday belonged to Cameroon.
After three previous final defeats, the Indomitable Lionesses have finally become African champions.
Final Score: Cameroon 3-0 Malawi
Goalscorers: Marie Gisèle Ngah Manga 20′, Naomi Ndjoah Eto 29′, Marie Gisèle Ngah Manga 45+3′.
