Cameroon Triumphs Over Malawi in Women's Africa Cup of Nations Final
In a historic showdown held in Rabat, Morocco, the Cameroon women's national soccer team claimed their first Women's Africa Cup of Nations title on August 16, 2026, after defeating Malawi with an impressive scoreline of 3-0. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Indomitable Lionesses, who had faced disappointment in their previous three finals, all of which were against the formidable Nigerian team, a ten-time champion of the tournament.
Marie Ngah Manga emerged as the star of the match, scoring two goals, while Naomi Eto added a third to seal the deal for Cameroon. The Cameroonian squad effectively neutralized the threat posed by Malawi's talented Chawinga sisters, ensuring that their team maintained control over the game. This triumph is particularly sweet for a squad that missed out on the previous tournament, showcasing their resilience and determination to rise to the top.
The match started with Malawi showing promise, but the dynamics shifted dramatically when Ngah Manga scored the opening goal in the 21st minute with a precise header. Just eight minutes later, Eto displayed her skill by turning sharply and firing the ball into the net, much to the delight of the supporters, including Samuel Eto’o, the president of the Cameroon Football Federation, who was seen jubilantly celebrating in the stands. Ngah Manga's second goal, which came during a swift counter-attack, effectively put the game out of reach for Malawi, showcasing her exceptional performance throughout the tournament.
Despite a spirited effort from Malawi, particularly in the second half where Tabitha Chawinga sought a penalty and tested Cameroon's goalkeeper Michaely Bihina with a fierce shot, they were unable to convert their chances. The Chawinga sisters worked hard to rally their team, but Cameroon's defensive setup proved too robust to breach, leading to a well-deserved victory for the Indomitable Lionesses.
As reported by newsday.com.
