Cameroon End 22-Year Wait, Clinch First WAFCON Title With 3-0 Wkn Over Malawi

Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses finally got their hands on the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy after 22 years of heartbreak, beating debutants Malawi 3-0 in the final at Stade Olympique de Rabat on Sunday night.

 

It was a dominant first-half display that sealed the historic victory.

 

Marie Gisèle Ngah Manga opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, Naomi Eto doubled the lead in the 30th, and Ngah Manga struck again in added time, 45+3, to make it 3-0 before the break. Malawi could not find a way back in the second half.

 

The win erases the painful memories of three previous WAFCON final defeats for Cameroon — a 5-0 loss to Nigeria in 2004, 2-0 in 2014, and 1-0 in 2016, all to the then-dominant Super Falcons.

 

“This time it’s different,” said a jubilant Ngah Manga, who finished with a brace. “We have been consistent, we have believed, and tonight the trophy is ours.”

 

For Malawi’s Scorchers, reaching the final in their first WAFCON appearance was already a landmark achievement. But they were overwhelmed by Cameroon’s experience and firepower on the night.

 

The triumph makes Cameroon the third different nation to win WAFCON, and ends Nigeria’s long dominance while also denying North African hosts Morocco a home title.

 

With the victory, the Indomitable Lionesses have turned consistency into silverware — a reward for years of finishing as runners-up and for a squad that grew stronger with each tournament.

 

Cameroon now turn their focus to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, with momentum and a continental crown behind them.