By Boluwatife Oshadiya | August 17, 2026
Key Points
- Cameroon defeat Malawi 3-0 in Rabat to win their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title
- Marie Ngah Manga scores twice while Naomi Eto adds the other goal in a dominant first half
- Malawi’s historic debut ends with a runners-up finish, while the four semi-finalists qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Main Story
Cameroon won their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title on Sunday, defeating debutants Malawi 3-0 in the final at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
Marie Ngah Manga opened the scoring in the 20th minute before Naomi Eto doubled Cameroon’s advantage 10 minutes later. Ngah Manga then struck again in first-half stoppage time to give the Indomitable Lionesses a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.
Malawi, appearing at the tournament for the first time, struggled to break through Cameroon’s defence after the interval. The Scorchers had depended heavily on sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga during their run to the final, but Cameroon restricted their influence for long periods.
Ngah Manga came close to completing her hat-trick early in the second half after rounding goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo, but her effort went wide. Malawi later created opportunities through Tabitha Chawinga, whose effort was saved by Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina before her rebound went wide.
The victory completes a major turnaround for Cameroon, who were not among the original qualifiers for the expanded 16-team tournament. CAF selected Cameroon among four additional teams based on the FIFA Women’s World Rankings after the qualifying phase had been completed.
The 2026 WAFCON was expanded from 12 to 16 teams and also served as Africa’s qualification route for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Cameroon had previously lost three WAFCON finals but finally secured the continental crown in Rabat. Malawi’s run to the final nevertheless marked a landmark achievement, following their first-ever qualification for the competition.
What’s Being Said
“I am extremely happy with the results. It wasn’t easy — Angola is a good side.” — Lovemore Fazili, Head Coach, Malawi Women’s National Team.
What’s Next
Cameroon and the other leading teams from the tournament now turn their attention to preparations for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. CAF confirmed that WAFCON 2026 serves as the continental qualification pathway for the tournament.
Malawi will also enter the next phase of its women’s football programme after reaching its first WAFCON final on debut.
Bottom Line
The Bottom Line: Cameroon’s breakthrough title ends a long wait for one of Africa’s most consistent women’s football teams, while Malawi’s unexpected run demonstrates the growing competitiveness of women’s football on the continent. The expanded WAFCON has also widened the pathway to the global stage, giving more African teams a route to the 2027 World Cup.
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