Cameroon Wins First WAFCON Title After 3-0 Win Over Malawi

Photo credit: Al-Jazeera

Cameroon have won their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title after defeating Malawi 3-0 in the final in Rabat on Sunday.

The Indomitable Lionesses sealed the historic victory with three first-half goals, dominating the final and ending Malawi’s impressive run at the tournament.

Marie Ngah Manga scored twice, while Naomi Eto added a spectacular scissors-kick goal as Cameroon took a commanding 3-0 lead before the break.

Cameroon opened the scoring in the 20th minute after Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo struggled to deal with Grace Mendoua’s cross.

The ball rebounded off the crossbar, allowing Ngah Manga to react quickly and head it into the net.The second goal came from a corner when Achta Toko Njoya delivered a dangerous cross into the box and Eto finished with an acrobatic scissors kick to double Cameroon’s advantage.

Cameroon added a third in stoppage time when Eto rounded the advancing Sikelo before setting up Ngah Manga, who calmly finished to complete her brace.

Malawi improved after the break and created several opportunities, but Cameroon’s defence remained firm. Tabitha Chawinga came close early in the second half, while Temwa Chawinga also fired wide as Malawi searched for a way back into the match.

Cameroon missed opportunities to extend their lead, including a chance for Ngah Manga after she rounded Sikelo but struck the side netting.

Malawi continued to push forward, but Cameroon maintained control until the final whistle. A late goal by veteran Gabrielle Onguene was ruled out by VAR for offside.

The victory marks a historic first WAFCON title for Cameroon, who had previously lost three finals. The Lionesses reached the final after eliminating Nigeria and hosts Morocco.

For Malawi, the tournament ended with a runners-up finish in their first-ever WAFCON appearance, completing a remarkable campaign despite entering the competition ranked 153rd in the world.