Cameroon have won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title after beating fairytale finalists Malawi 3-0 in the final played on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco.
Marie Ngah found the back of the net twice while Naomi Eto also netted to give Cameroon their first continental title after coming second in three consecutive competitions.
Initially, Cameroon failed to qualify for the competition after losing home and away to Algeria in the qualifying round. They were given a second chance when the tournament was expanded from 12 teams to 16 teams. The four highest ranked losing teams qualified and Cameroon topped the list.
It was a well deserved win for the Indomitable Lionesses in Morocco.
On their side, Malawi scripted an incredible story to reach the final of the tournament despite their ranking of 153rd and making debut in the competition. The Scorchers first beat the defending champions Nigeria before overcoming Egypt, Ghana and Algeria.
They were led by Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga who contributed nine goals to Malawi before their last game in the tournament.
The Scorchers started positively but eventually couldn’t cope up with Cameroon. Tabitha and Temwa were causing trouble for Cameroon defense through their pace and physical presence.
Marie Ngah gave the Indomitable Lionesses the lead by finding the net in the 20th minute with a header off a rebound after the ball hit the crossbar after Sikelo’s save from a cross.
Naomi Eto made it 2-0 in the 29th minute after rounding the Malawi keeper and scored from the edge of the box.
Ngah completed Cameroon’s hat-trick in injury time in the first half after scoring with her head from an Eto’s cross.
In the second half, Ngah came close to adding to her tally but fired wide after rounding the Malawi keeper.
Although Malawi improved after the break, they restricted Cameroon from creating chances. Temwa Chawinga was only chance in the final moments after the game.
This was the end of Cameroon’s wait for continental glory. The Lionesses had lost the last three WAFCON finals to Nigeria in 2004, 2014 and 2016.
With their victory, Cameroon, Malawi, Algeria and hosts Morocco have qualified for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil after reaching WAFCON semi-finals.
South Africa and Ghana who reached the quarter-finals will join them for intercontinental play-offs for qualification.
