Cameroon claimed their maiden Women's Africa Cup of Nations title on 16 August 2026, defeating first-time finalists Malawi 3-0 at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, according to a live match report. Marie Ngah Manga scored twice and Naomi Eto added a third as the Indomitable Lionesses overwhelmed a Malawi side making history simply by reaching the final.
Ngah Manga opened the scoring with a close-range header in the 20th minute before Eto doubled Cameroon's advantage with a spectacular half-volley ten minutes later. Just before the interval, Eto turned provider, rounding Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo and squaring the ball for Ngah Manga to tap in Cameroon's third in first-half stoppage time.
How did the final unfold after the break?
Ngah Manga came close to a hat-trick three minutes into the second half but sent a golden chance wide from six yards with the goal open in front of her. Malawi's best opportunity arrived shortly after the hour mark when Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina denied a low strike from Tabitha Chawinga, only for her sister Temwa to fire the follow-up wide of the target. Ngah Manga's brace lifted her level with Temwa Chawinga and Barbra Banda at the top of the tournament's golden boot standings.
How did Malawi silence doubters to reach the final?
Ranked 153rd in the world and the lowest-ranked team competing at WAFCON 2026, Malawi rode the goal-scoring form of sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga throughout the tournament. On their route to the final, the Scorchers overcame Algeria 3-1 in the semi-final, a result that underlined their unlikely run in the competition, according to a semi-final report. It marked Malawi's first-ever appearance at the tournament. In the final itself, however, Cameroon's defence largely contained the Chawinga sisters, denying Malawi the fairy-tale finish many had anticipated.
How did Cameroon reach the final, and what does the win mean historically?
Cameroon advanced to their own semi-final by beating hosts Morocco on penalties, according to the same semi-final report. Their path to the title carries added significance given they missed the 2024 edition entirely, having failed to qualify after losing 3-1 on aggregate to Algeria in the second qualifying round. Cameroon only secured a place in this year's finals because the Confederation of African Football expanded the tournament from 12 to 16 teams and admitted them on the strength of their world ranking. Having previously lost three WAFCON finals, Cameroon become just the fourth nation to win the title, joining Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa as African women's football champions.
What happens next for both finalists?
Cameroon will collect $2m (£1.48m) in prize money for winning the tournament, while Malawi receive $750,000 as runners-up, according to the match report. Both nations have secured places at the 2027 Women's FIFA World Cup in Brazil, joining fellow WAFCON semi-finalists Algeria and Morocco in qualifying for the global tournament.
Key Facts
- Cameroon beat Malawi 3-0 in the WAFCON 2026 final on 16 August 2026 at Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat.
- Marie Ngah Manga scored twice and Naomi Eto once for Cameroon.
- Malawi, ranked 153rd in the world, were making their first WAFCON appearance and reached the final by beating Algeria 3-1 in the semi-final.
- Cameroon earn $2m in prize money; Malawi receive $750,000 as runners-up.
- Both teams have qualified for the 2027 Women's FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
