Cameroon Celebrate Historic WAFCON Triumph After 3-0 Victory Over Malawi

Posted : 18 August 2026

Cameroon have been crowned Women's Africa Cup of Nations champions for the first time after a commanding 3-0 victory over Malawi in Sunday's final at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. The Indomitable Lionesses settled the contest with three first-half goals and became only the fourth nation to win the continental women's title.

Marie Ngah Manga opened the scoring in the 20th minute after reacting quickest to a rebound following a dangerous Cameroon attack. Naomi Ndjoah Eto then doubled the advantage 10 minutes later with a fine first-time finish.

Ngah Manga struck again three minutes into stoppage time to complete her brace and put Cameroon firmly in control before the break. The striker finished the tournament with five goals, moving level with Malawi's Temwa Chawinga and Barbra Banda in the scoring race.

Malawi had entered the final after an outstanding debut campaign. The Scorchers had reached the championship match after defeating Algeria 3-1 in the semi-finals, with the Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, playing a major role in their attacking threat.

However, Cameroon's defence kept the dangerous Malawian forwards under control for much of the final. Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina, who had been outstanding against Nigeria and Morocco in the knockout rounds, was rarely troubled as Cameroon protected their advantage.

The triumph ended a painful chapter in Cameroon's WAFCON history. The Indomitable Lionesses had previously lost three finals, all against Nigeria, in 2004, 2014 and 2016. Their latest success finally delivered the title that had eluded them for decades.

The achievement was particularly remarkable because Cameroon had missed the 2024 tournament and initially failed to qualify for the 2026 finals. Their place was secured after CAF expanded the competition from 12 to 16 teams, with Cameroon advancing through their world ranking.

The champions received $2 million in prize money and secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. Malawi, Morocco and Algeria will also represent Africa at next year's global tournament.

Cameroon coach Valentine Nguele only took charge in June but quickly built a disciplined side. The team defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-finals before overcoming hosts Morocco on penalties in the semi-finals.

The celebrations continued after the final as Cameroon returned home on Monday. Hundreds of supporters welcomed the players at the airport in Yaounde, while thousands more lined the streets to celebrate the historic achievement.

Cameroonian flags, jerseys, music and car horns filled the capital as the players paraded the trophy through the city. Supporters praised the team's determination after an unexpected route to the tournament and a memorable run to the title.

Cameroonian President Paul Biya also congratulated the players, describing them as the country's "valiant, talented and intrepid Indomitable Lionesses" and praising their performance in Morocco.

The victory has given Cameroonian women's football its first continental crown and ended years of near misses on the WAFCON stage. The focus now turns to Brazil, where the new African champions will seek to build on their historic success at the 2027 Women's World Cup.

Cameroon Celebrate Historic WAFCON Triumph After 3-0 Victory Over Malawi

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