In a historic triumph, Cameroon secured their first TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title with a resounding 3-0 victory over Malawi in the final held at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. This landmark win was marked by an outstanding performance from Marie Ngah, who scored twice, alongside a crucial goal from Naomi Ndjoah Eto, showcasing the Indomitable Lionesses' dominance throughout the match. With this victory, Cameroon not only celebrated their first continental title but also ended a disappointing streak of three previous final losses, having previously fallen short in 2004, 2014, and 2016.
From the outset, it was evident that Cameroon was in control. Ngah broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, putting the Indomitable Lionesses ahead and altering the dynamics of the final. Ten minutes later, Ndjoah Eto doubled the lead, expertly assisted by Myriam Nyadjou. The relentless Cameroonian attack continued to overpower Malawi, with Ngah scoring again in stoppage time of the first half, solidifying their 3-0 advantage before the break. This commanding lead forced Malawi, despite their impressive offensive capabilities demonstrated throughout the tournament, into a position where they had to chase the game against a well-organized Cameroonian defense.
As the match progressed, Malawi made attempts to adjust their strategy, introducing Tiasha Sani just before halftime in a bid to spark a comeback. However, the Indomitable Lionesses maintained their composure, effectively managing the game and ensuring that Malawi struggled to find any rhythm. Coach Valentine Nguele utilized substitutions wisely during the closing stages, while his team’s disciplined defense remained impenetrable, ensuring that Malawi could not even find a consolation goal.
This victory was especially poignant for Cameroon, as they had initially not qualified for the tournament before being granted a spot due to the expansion of the competition. They capitalized on this opportunity by defeating formidable opponents such as Ghana and Nigeria, and they even triumphed over Morocco in the semi-finals via penalties after a goalless draw. Throughout the knockout stages, Cameroon’s defense was remarkable, not conceding a single goal. For players like captain Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné, the achievement represented a significant milestone, ending years of frustration at the continental level and finally bringing home the coveted title.
While Malawi faced disappointment in the final, their journey was historic as they became the first Southern African debutants to reach this stage of the tournament. Their impressive performance throughout the competition, which included a semi-final victory over Algeria, positioned them as strong contenders. However, the experience and tactical discipline of the Indomitable Lionesses proved too formidable. With this victory, Cameroon not only celebrates their first WAFCON title but also marks a significant moment in the history of African women's football.
As reported by cafonline.com.
