Cameroon have won the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time after defeating fairytale finalists Malawi 3-0 in Sunday’s final in Rabat, Morocco.
Marie Ngah scored twice, while Naomi Eto added another as the Indomitable Lionesses finally ended years of disappointment after finishing runners-up in 2004, 2014 and 2016.
Cameroon had initially failed to qualify for the tournament after losing home and away to Algeria in the final qualifying round. However, their fortunes changed after the competition was expanded from 12 to 16 teams, allowing the four highest-ranked losers to enter the tournament.
Malawi, the lowest-ranked team in the competition, produced a remarkable run to the final, defeating defending champions Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana and Algeria on their way to the title clash.
The Scorchers started brightly, with the Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, causing problems for Cameroon’s defence. However, Ngah opened the scoring in the 20th minute after heading in the rebound from a cross that came off goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo and struck the crossbar.
Eto doubled Cameroon’s advantage nine minutes later, turning brilliantly before firing into the corner of the net.
Ngah then struck again in first-half stoppage time, heading in Eto’s cross to give Cameroon a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.
Malawi improved after the interval but could not find a way back into the game, while Ngah narrowly missed the chance to complete her hat-trick.
Cameroon’s historic triumph marks their first WAFCON title and ends their long wait for continental glory.
By reaching the semi-finals, Cameroon, Malawi, Algeria and Morocco also secured qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. South Africa and Ghana will have another opportunity to qualify through the intercontinental play-offs.
