The short version
- Cameroon defeated Malawi 3-0 to win their first Women's Africa Cup of Nations title.
- Marie Ngah Manga scored twice, tying her with top African scorers in the tournament's golden boot race.
- The victory grants Cameroon a spot in the 2027 World Cup and $2 million in prize money.
Cameroon has secured its first-ever Women's Africa Cup of Nations title, defeating Malawi by a score of 3-0 in the final match held in Rabat, Morocco. The victory marks a historic milestone for the Indomitable Lionesses, who have previously fallen short in three prior final appearances. This triumph elevates them to join an exclusive club of former champions that includes Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and South Africa, solidifying their status as a dominant force in continental football after years of near misses.
The match was characterized by early offensive pressure from the Central African side. Marie Ngah Manga opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a close-range header, establishing an initial lead that proved difficult for the visitors to overcome. Naomi Eto extended the advantage shortly thereafter, delivering a powerful volley in the 30th minute that doubled Cameroon's tally. The first half concluded with a third goal, as Eto maneuvered past Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo to set up Ngah Manga for an easy finish during added time.
Malawi’s presence in the final represented a significant upset, given their status as tournament debutants and their low global ranking of 153rd. The Scorchers had navigated earlier rounds largely through the attacking capabilities of sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga. However, Cameroon’s defensive unit effectively neutralized this threat throughout the decisive match. The disciplined marking prevented the Chawinga sisters from replicating their earlier success, denying Malawi a potential fairy-tale conclusion to their unexpected tournament run.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, moments of individual brilliance and missed opportunities highlighted the competitive nature of the contest. Ngah Manga had a clear chance to complete a hat-trick early in the second half but fired wide from six yards after beating the goalkeeper. Malawi managed its best scoring opportunity just after the hour mark when Tabitha Chawinga forced a save from Cameroon keeper Michaely Bihina, though the subsequent rebound attempt went astray. These exchanges underscored the high stakes and tension inherent in the final stages of the competition.
The path to this victory for Cameroon was unconventional. The team failed to qualify through standard competitive play for the 2026 edition, having lost a second-round tie to Algeria with an aggregate score of 3-1. Their participation became possible only after the Confederation of African Football expanded the tournament format from 12 teams to 16. Cameroon earned its place based on world ranking criteria, allowing them to bypass the traditional qualification hurdles that had previously excluded them from the finals.
Beyond the prestige of the trophy, the victory carries substantial financial and competitive implications. The winning team receives $2 million in prize money, a significant investment for national football development. More importantly, the title serves as a direct qualifier for the 2027 Women's FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Cameroon will join Algeria and Morocco, who also reached the semi-finals, representing Africa on the global stage next year.
Individual performances also contributed to broader tournament narratives. Ngah Manga’s two goals in the final brought her total tally into parity with Temwa Chawinga and Barbra Banda for the golden boot standings. This statistical achievement highlights the depth of talent present in the competition, even as Cameroon secured a comprehensive team victory. The performance of goalkeeper Michaely Bihina was also notable, providing stability that allowed the attack to flourish without conceding.
The contrast between the two finalists illustrates the evolving landscape of African women's football. Malawi’s rise from the bottom of the rankings to the final demonstrates increased competitiveness across the continent. Meanwhile, Cameroon’s return to prominence after missing the 2024 edition signals a resurgence for one of Africa’s traditional powers. The outcome suggests that while underdogs can challenge established hierarchies, experienced teams with structural advantages often prevail in high-pressure environments.
Looking ahead, both nations will focus on preparing for the World Cup cycle. For Cameroon, the priority shifts to maintaining momentum and integrating new players into a successful framework. Malawi, despite the loss, has gained valuable experience at the highest level of continental competition. The tournament’s expansion may continue to reshape qualification dynamics, offering more teams opportunities to compete while raising the overall standard of play across Africa.
The final in Rabat served as a definitive statement of intent from Cameroon. By overcoming defensive challenges and capitalizing on key scoring chances, they demonstrated tactical maturity and clinical efficiency. The victory not only ends a long drought for the Lionesses but also sets a new benchmark for future tournaments. As African football continues to grow, this result may inspire other nations to invest more heavily in their women’s programs, knowing that pathways to success are becoming more accessible.
Sources behind this briefing
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- BBC Sport↗Cameroon claim first Wafcon title with victory over Malawi
