Cameroon Crowned Women’s AFCON Champions for the First Time After Dominant Win Over Malawi

Cameroon have finally ended years of heartbreak by winning their first ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, defeating tournament surprise package Malawi 3-0 in a commanding final in Morocco.

The Indomitable Lionesses produced an assured performance on Sunday, with Marie Ngah Manga scoring twice and Naomi Eto adding another goal as Cameroon secured the continental crown after falling short in three previous finals.

The victory marks a historic achievement for a team that failed to qualify for the last edition of the tournament but returned determined to establish itself among Africa’s elite.

Cameroon Ends Years of Final Heartbreak

Having previously lost all three of their Women’s AFCON final appearances to Nigeria, Cameroon entered the final determined to rewrite history.

Their opponents, Malawi, had become the tournament’s biggest surprise after reaching the final in their debut appearance, led by star sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga.

Despite Malawi’s confident start, Cameroon gradually took control of the contest.

Ngah Manga Inspires Historic Victory

Cameroon opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Marie Ngah Manga reacted quickest after Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo saved Naomi Eto’s initial effort, heading home from close range.

Just eight minutes later, Eto doubled the advantage with an impressive individual finish, turning sharply inside the penalty area before placing the ball into the bottom corner.

The two-goal cushion allowed Cameroon to play with greater confidence as they frustrated Malawi’s attacking threats.

Malawi’s Fairytale Run Comes to an End

After the break, Malawi attempted to mount a comeback through the influential Chawinga sisters.

Tabitha Chawinga appealed for a penalty after going down inside the area, but following a VAR review, officials decided no foul had been committed.

Moments later, Tabitha forced an excellent save from Cameroonian goalkeeper Michaely Bihina before Temwa Chawinga narrowly missed the rebound.

It proved to be Malawi’s best opportunity of the match.

Third Goal Seals the Championship

As Malawi pushed forward in search of a way back into the game, Cameroon struck decisively on the counterattack.

Naomi Eto reached the ball ahead of goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo before delivering a perfectly weighted cross for Marie Ngah Manga, who headed home her second goal of the match and fifth of the tournament.

The goal effectively ended the contest, prompting Cameroon substitutes to rush onto the pitch in celebration as the final whistle approached.

A New Chapter for Cameroonian Women’s Football

The triumph represents one of the most significant moments in Cameroon’s women’s football history.

Former international star Samuel Eto’o, now president of the Cameroon Football Federation, celebrated enthusiastically from the stands alongside supporters witnessing the country’s long-awaited breakthrough.

The final was also attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe, underscoring the growing global profile of African women’s football.

For Malawi, defeat should not overshadow an extraordinary tournament that saw the debutants reach the final while also showcasing the country’s growing football potential on the continental stage.

TVOA Perspective

Cameroon’s first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title highlights the continued growth of women’s football across the continent. At the same time, Malawi’s remarkable journey to the final demonstrates how investment, talent and determination are expanding the competitive landscape of African football. As more nations develop their women’s game, the future of African football looks increasingly bright, with new champions, new role models and new opportunities continuing to emerge.

Cameroon Women’s AFCON, Women’s AFCON 2026, Cameroon football, Malawi football, Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON final, Cameroon vs Malawi, Marie Ngah Manga, Naomi Eto, Tabitha Chawinga, Temwa Chawinga, Cameroon women, Malawi women, CAF, African football, women’s football Africa, Morocco WAFCON, Cameroon champions, football news Africa, African sports, Indomitable Lionesses, Scorchers, Samuel Eto’o, Patrice Motsepe, Gianni Infantino, WAFCON champions, Cameroon victory, football final, women’s soccer, Africa Cup, African women’s football, Cameroon national team, Malawi national team, tournament debut, football tournament, CAF Women’s AFCON, sports news, football highlights, African football news, continental champions, women’s sport, football championship, Cameroon history, Malawi success, football development, African athletes, soccer Africa, sports journalism, women’s football growth, football Africa, CAF tournament, championship final, Morocco football, Cameroon goals, football victory, African soccer, international football, football analysis, African sports news, Cameroon title, Malawi Chawinga sisters, football competition, women athletes, sports Africa, football updates, African championships, women’s game, football excellence, Cameroon trophy, WAFCON winners, football fans, Africa rising, sports development, women’s empowerment, football celebration, soccer tournament, continental football, TVOA Sport, African talent, football performance, goal scorers, Cameroon history makers, Malawi breakthrough, sports headlines, football success, African champions, soccer news, sports coverage, football feature, women’s championship, football future, Africa football, CAF news, football stories, women’s football news, tournament recap, championship victory, football legacy, sporting achievement, African excellence, Cameroon 2026, Malawi 2026, TVOA News