Cameroon captured their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title on Sunday, defeating tournament underdogs Malawi 3-0 in a decisive final held in Rabat. The victory marks a historic milestone for the Indomitable Lionesses, who had previously finished as runners-up on three separate occasions.
The path to the championship was unconventional for Cameroon. Initially, the team failed to qualify after suffering home and away losses to Algeria. However, tournament organizers later expanded the field from 12 to 16 teams, allowing the four highest-ranked losers—led by Cameroon—to join the competition, which was hosted by Morocco for the third consecutive time.
Malawi, ranked 153rd in the world, entered the match as the tournament’s fairytale story. The debutants had defied expectations by defeating defending champions Nigeria, as well as Egypt, Ghana, and Algeria to reach the final. Their campaign was largely driven by the Chawinga sisters, captain Tabitha and Temwa, who combined for nine goals throughout the event.
Despite a strong start from the Scorchers, who utilized the pace and power of the Chawingas to threaten the Cameroonian defense, they were unable to find the back of the net. Cameroon gradually seized control, breaking the deadlock in the 20th minute when Marie Ngah headed in a rebound after a cross deflected off Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo and hit the crossbar.
Cameroon extended their lead in the 29th minute through Naomi Eto. With her back to the goal, Eto executed a sharp swivel and struck the ball into the corner of the net. Ngah added her second goal of the match three minutes into first-half stoppage time, connecting with an Eto cross to put the game out of reach.
The second half saw fewer scoring opportunities, though Ngah missed a chance to complete her hat-trick after firing wide following a successful dribble past Sikelo. Malawi managed to contain the Cameroonian attack during the latter stages, with Temwa Chawinga coming close to scoring with a low shot following a goalmouth scramble.
The match was attended by several high-profile officials, including FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who was accompanied by Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe and first vice-president Fouzi Lekjaa. Infantino, currently facing criticism regarding his proposals to sell World Cup stakes to private investors, received backing from the CAF leadership during the event.
Beyond the trophy, the tournament served as a qualifier for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. By reaching the semi-finals, Cameroon, Malawi, third-placed Algeria, and Morocco have all secured their spots in the global tournament.
The African representation at the 2027 World Cup could potentially increase to six teams. South Africa and Ghana, who were eliminated in the WAFCON quarter-finals, have both earned positions in the upcoming inter-continental play-offs. The report also notes that cameroon, who failed to qualify for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations only to get a second chance, beat fairytale finalists Malawi 3-0 on Sunday to be crowned champions.
