Cameroon have won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the first time after defeating Malawi 3-0 in the final in Rabat, Morocco.
The Indomitable Lionesses produced a dominant first-half performance at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium on Sunday, August 16, 2026, scoring all three goals before the break to secure a historic continental triumph.
Marie Ngah opened the scoring in the 20th minute before Naomi Ndjoah Eto doubled Cameroon’s advantage 10 minutes later.
Ngah then completed her brace in first-half stoppage time, with Eto providing the assist, leaving Malawi with a three-goal deficit at the interval.
Malawi, appearing in the WAFCON final for the first time, struggled to find a way through Cameroon’s defence after the break as the Lionesses comfortably protected their advantage.
The victory ends Cameroon’s long wait for the continental title after three previous final defeats.
The Indomitable Lionesses had finished runners-up to Nigeria in the 2004, 2014 and 2016 editions of the competition, making Sunday’s triumph their fourth appearance in a WAFCON final and their first championship.
Cameroon’s success also makes them only the fourth nation to win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, joining record champions Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.
The title capped an impressive knockout-stage campaign for Cameroon. They eliminated defending champions Nigeria in the quarter-finals before overcoming hosts Morocco in the semi-finals.
Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina played a key role in the team’s run, including saving three penalties during the semi-final shootout against Morocco.
Midfielder Monique Ngock was named the tournament’s Woman of the Competition following her influential performances throughout Cameroon’s title-winning campaign.
For Malawi, the defeat brought an end to an historic debut tournament. The Scorchers had already secured a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil after reaching the semi-finals and became the first Malawi side to reach a WAFCON final.
Cameroon’s victory in Morocco therefore marks a new chapter in the history of African women’s football, as the Lionesses finally turn years of near misses into their first continental crown.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Mavis Fantevi