The Indomitable Lionesses finally ended their long wait for continental glory, while Malawi’s historic debut campaign ended with a runners-up finish.
Rabat, Morocco (Running Africa) — Cameroon has won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the first time, defeating tournament debutants Malawi 3-0 in Sunday’s final in Rabat to end decades of near misses on the continental stage.
The Indomitable Lionesses delivered a dominant first-half performance, with Marie Ngah Manga scoring twice and Naomi Ndjoah Eto adding another as Cameroon took control of the final before the break.
The historic triumph ends Cameroon’s long wait for a continental crown following three previous defeats in WAFCON finals and makes the country only the fourth nation to win Africa’s premier women’s football championship.
Cameroon Beat Malawi 3-0 in the WAFCON 2026 Final
Cameroon wasted little time asserting itself against a Malawi side that had emerged as the surprise package of the tournament.
Ngah Manga opened the scoring before Ndjoah Eto doubled Cameroon’s advantage with a superb finish, leaving the Scorchers with a mountain to climb.
Ngah Manga struck again in first-half stoppage time, completing her brace and sending the Indomitable Lionesses into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Malawi were unable to produce the kind of comeback that had characterized their remarkable run through the tournament, allowing Cameroon to see out the victory and finally celebrate a long-awaited African title.
Indomitable Lionesses End Long Wait for WAFCON Trophy
For Cameroon, the victory brings an end to years of disappointment at the final hurdle.
The Indomitable Lionesses had previously reached the WAFCON final three times — in 1998, 2014, and 2016 — but finished runners-up on each occasion.
Their fourth appearance in the final proved different.
Cameroon now joins Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and South Africa as the only countries to have won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The achievement represents a major milestone for a country that has long ranked among the strongest forces in African women’s football, yet had never previously secured the continent’s biggest trophy.
Marie Ngah Manga Stars With WAFCON Final Brace
Ngah Manga emerged as the defining figure of the final, scoring twice during Cameroon’s devastating opening-half display.
Her first goal gave the Indomitable Lionesses the early advantage before Ndjoah Eto extended the lead.
Ngah Manga’s second, arriving just before half-time, effectively placed the trophy within Cameroon’s grasp.
The three-goal performance ensured Cameroon converted years of continental promise into silverware on a historic night in Rabat.
Malawi’s Historic WAFCON Debut Ends With Runners-Up Finish
Despite the defeat, Malawi leaves Morocco having completed one of the most remarkable debut campaigns in WAFCON history.
The Scorchers arrived at the tournament as outsiders but defied expectations to reach their first continental final, eliminating some of Africa’s established women’s football powers along the way.
Led throughout the tournament by stars including Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, Malawi transformed their WAFCON debut into a historic run that also secured the country’s first qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The final proved one step too far, but a runners-up finish represents a significant breakthrough for Malawian women’s football.
Cameroon and Malawi Qualify for 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Both finalists had already secured their places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil by reaching the latter stages of WAFCON.
Cameroon and Malawi will be joined by Algeria and Morocco, who also secured automatic World Cup qualification after reaching the semi-finals.
For Cameroon, however, the tournament ends with an achievement that had eluded generations of Indomitable Lionesses.
After three previous final defeats, Cameroon are finally champions of Africa — and will head to Brazil 2027 as WAFCON winners.
