Cameroon claim first Wafcon title with victory over Malawi

What the report says

Cameroon won its first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title with a 3-0 victory over Malawi in Rabat, according to Nile Post’s report. The result ended a long wait for the Indomitable Lionesses, who had previously lost three Wafcon finals, all to Nigeria, and also missed the 2024 edition before qualifying for this expanded tournament.

Marie Ngah Manga scored twice for Cameroon, while Naomi Eto added the other goal. Ngah Manga opened the scoring in the 20th minute after Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo failed to deal with a cross, and Eto made it 2-0 with a volley on the half-hour mark. Ngah Manga then scored again in first-half stoppage time after Eto rounded the goalkeeper and set her up for a simple finish. Malawi, the lowest-ranked team in the competition, had surprised many by reaching the final, helped by the form of sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, but Cameroon’s defence kept them quiet.

The final also underlined Cameroon’s strong run under coach Valentine Nguélé, who took charge only in June. Cameroon had upset Nigeria in the quarter-finals and beaten host nation Morocco on penalties in the semi-finals. The victory brought a reported $2 million prize and confirmed Cameroon as only the fourth nation to win the women’s continental title, alongside Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa. Both teams will also be among the African sides at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.