Cameroon claim first Wafcon title with 3-0 victory against Malawi
Cameroon have secured their first ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title by cruising to a 3-0 victory over tournament debutants Malawi in Rabat.
Marie Ngah Manga opened the scoring for the Central Africans with a close-range header in the 20th minute.
Naomi Eto doubled the advantage for the Indomitable Lionesses with a stunning volley on the half-hour mark.
The newly crowned champions effectively ended the contest in first-half stoppage time when Eto rounded the goalkeeper and unselfishly set up Ngah Manga for her second goal.
Chawinga sisters neutralised by resolute defence
Malawi had defied expectations to reach the showpiece event, relying heavily on the attacking brilliance of siblings Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga.
However, the lowest-ranked side at the tournament were expertly stifled by a disciplined backline that denied them a fairy tale finish to their unexpected run.
The Scorchers created their most meaningful opening just after the hour mark, but goalkeeper Michaely Bihina produced a crucial save to deny Tabitha Chawinga’s low effort.
Remarkable turnaround leads to historic triumph
This victory represents an incredible reversal of fortune for a nation that initially failed to qualify for these finals after an aggregate defeat to Algeria.
They were handed a tournament lifeline when the Confederation of African Football expanded the competition from 12 to 16 teams, allowing them to advance purely on the strength of their world ranking.
After suffering heartbreak in three previous finals, they have finally earned the $2m (£1.48m) prize and joined Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa on the exclusive list of continental winners.
Both finalists will now prepare to showcase their talents on the global stage after qualifying for the 2027 Women’s Fifa World Cup in Brazil.