Historic Victory for Cameroon in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Cameroon has secured its first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title by defeating Malawi 3-0 in the final held in Rabat, Morocco. The match, which took place on August 16, 2026, saw Marie Ngah Manga shine with a stunning first-half performance, scoring two crucial goals that laid the foundation for the Indomitable Lionesses’ historic win. This achievement is particularly significant for Cameroon, who had previously faced defeat in three finals, making their triumph in this tournament a momentous occasion.
The game began with Cameroon asserting their dominance, leading 3-0 by halftime against a Malawi team that was participating in their inaugural WAFCON final. Ngah Manga opened the scoring in the 20th minute, reacting swiftly to a loose ball in the box and striking from close range. Her teammate, Naomi Eto, doubled the lead at the half-hour mark, showcasing Cameroon's attacking prowess. As the first half was drawing to a close, Ngah Manga found the back of the net once more during stoppage time, effectively sealing the match before halftime.
Malawi’s Inspirational Journey and Future Prospects
Malawi, ranked 153rd globally and 32nd in Africa, made headlines with their extraordinary journey to the final, demonstrating resilience and determination throughout the tournament. Despite their loss to Cameroon, their performance has been a source of inspiration, marking a significant milestone in their footballing history. The Indomitable Lionesses, who previously missed qualifying for the last tournament, celebrated their victory with immense pride. Ngah Manga expressed her emotions, stating, "I feel like it’s a dream because you know Cameroon have been working hard to have this moment and today for us to be champions of Africa is a very, very wonderful thing."
Following the match, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the medals to the victorious team at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, alongside Patrice Motsepe, the head of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Cameroon’s victory not only earns them the coveted WAFCON title but also a prize of $2 million, placing them among the few nations to have won this prestigious tournament since its inception in 1998. With the triumph, Cameroon joins the ranks of Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and South Africa, creating a new chapter in their football legacy. Both teams have also secured their spots in the upcoming 2027 Women’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil, along with other semi-finalists from the tournament.
As reported by rfi.fr.
