Cameroon beat Malawi 3-0 to claim first WAFCON title
August 16, 2026 10:38 pm
Marie Ngah Manga’s double for Cameroon in the final moved her level with Temwa Chawinga and Barbra Banda on five goals at Wafcon 2026
Cameroon beat Malawi 3-0 to claim their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in a historic final in Rabat on Sunday.
Marie Ngah Manga opened the scoring in the 20th minute, heading home from close range to give the Indomitable Lionesses the lead.
BBC reports on Sunday that Naomi Eto doubled Cameroon’s advantage 10 minutes later with a stunning volley before setting up Ngah Manga for her second goal in first-half stoppage time.
Malawi, competing at the tournament for the first time, struggled to find a way through Cameroon’s defence.
The Scorchers had relied heavily on sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga throughout their impressive run to the final, but the pair were kept largely quiet.
Ngah Manga had an opportunity to complete her hat-trick early in the second half but fired wide after rounding Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo.
Malawi came close to pulling a goal back after the hour mark when Tabitha Chawinga’s effort was saved by Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina. Tabitha then fired the rebound wide.
The victory marks a remarkable turnaround for Cameroon, who missed the 2024 WAFCON and had initially failed to qualify for the 2026 finals after losing 3-1 on aggregate to Algeria.
Their place at the expanded 16-team tournament was secured through their world ranking.
Cameroon, who had previously lost three WAFCON finals, now become the fourth nation to win the continental title after Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.
The champions will also join Malawi, Algeria and Morocco at the 2027 Women’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
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