Malawi/Cameroon: Scorchers' Fairytale Run Ends in 3-0 Final Defeat - - but Brazil World Cup Awaits

What the report says

Malawi’s Scorchers ended their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 3-0 loss to Cameroon in the final in Morocco, but still completed a landmark run for the debutants. The match, reported by Nyasa Times and distributed by AllAfrica, saw Cameroon take control early and protect their lead through the rest of the game.

According to the report, Marie Nga Manga opened the scoring after 20 minutes, Naomie Eto added a second from a corner soon after, and Nga Manga struck again before halftime to put the result beyond doubt. Malawi improved after the break and created chances, but could not beat Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina.

The defeat did not overshadow Malawi’s broader achievement. The Scorchers entered the tournament as the lowest-ranked team and upset several stronger sides on the way to the final, including Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana and Algeria. That run has been described as the greatest in Malawian football history and earned the team praise at home.

Most importantly, the runners-up finish secured Malawi’s place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, which will be the country’s first appearance at the tournament. The article also said the team will receive a runners-up payment, while Cameroon, as champions, will receive the larger winners’ prize.