Cameroon captured their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title on Sunday, delivering a commanding 3-0 victory over tournament newcomers Malawi in the final held in Morocco. The Indomitable Lionesses, who had previously suffered defeat in three separate finals, finally secured the trophy on their fourth attempt. For Malawi, the match marked the end of a fairytale run; ranked 153rd globally and 32nd in Africa, the debutants were clearly outmatched by a clinical Cameroonian side.
The outcome was effectively decided during a dominant first half. Marie Ngah opened the scoring in the 20th minute, pouncing on a loose ball inside the penalty area. Naomi Eto extended the lead to 2-0 at the half-hour mark, and Ngah struck again in the third minute of first-half stoppage time, converting a pass from Eto to put the game out of reach before the break. This victory makes Cameroon the fourth nation to win the tournament since its inception in 1998, joining record-holders Nigeria with 10 titles, Equatorial Guinea with two, and South Africa with one.
Both finalists had already guaranteed their qualification for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil, alongside semifinalists Morocco and Algeria. Algeria secured the bronze medal on Saturday after winning a penalty shootout. Following the final whistle, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Confederation of African Football President Patrice Motsepe presented the medals to the players. Despite recent controversies surrounding his leadership and abandoned plans to sell stakes in future World Cups, Infantino appeared in high spirits as several players approached him for photographs during the ceremony.
The event in Morocco highlighted the growing competitiveness of the continental championship, even as established powers like Nigeria remain the benchmark. By overcoming a resilient but inexperienced Malawi squad, Cameroon has cemented its place in African football history. The tournament concluded with a celebration of the sport’s expansion, as the focus now shifts toward the upcoming global stage in Brazil where these African representatives will look to make their mark. The report also notes that with Marie Ngah’s first-half double helping seal victory on Sunday, cameroon claimed their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title when they thumped surprise package Malawi 3-0 in the final.
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