Cameroon Beats Malawi 3-0 to Win First Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Title

Cameroon claimed its first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday, defeating tournament debutant Malawi 3-0 in Rabat, Morocco. Marie Ngah Manga scored two headers and Naomi Eto added a third, while the Indomitable Lionesses successfully neutralized Malawi’s Chawinga sisters to secure the championship at the fourth attempt.

The Bottom Line

• Historic Victory: Cameroon secured its maiden WAFCON title after three previous runner-up finishes, all against Nigeria.
• Star Performances: Marie Ngah Manga netted two headers, while Naomi Eto contributed a goal and a crucial assist.
• High-Level Presence: FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe attended the final in Rabat.

Breaking the Final Curse in Rabat

Sunday night’s fixture marked a turning point for Cameroon’s national program. Having missed qualification for the previous edition of the tournament, the Indomitable Lionesses entered the Rabat final carrying the weight of three previous championship defeats—every single one of them handed down by 10-time winner Nigeria.

Here is the kicker: Malawi proved to be a formidable obstacle early on, making the brighter start and testing Cameroon’s defensive resolve. But the tournament debutants cracked under the pressure of Cameroon’s clinical efficiency in the box. Marie Ngah Manga opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a close-range header, capitalizing on a sequence initiated when Naomi Eto forced a save from Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo.

Just eight minutes later, Eto doubled the lead with a brilliant individual effort. Turning with her back to goal, she slotted the ball inside the right post, leaving the Malawian defense flat-footed. Samuel Eto’o, now the president of the Cameroon Football Federation, watched and celebrated enthusiastically from the stands as his side established a commanding 2-0 cushion before halftime.

Neutralizing the Chawinga Threat

Much of the tactical narrative heading into the final centered on Malawi’s star forwards, the Chawinga sisters. Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga had terrorized opposing defenses throughout the tournament, giving Malawi the offensive punch required to reach the final on their first-ever appearance.

Photo: apnews.com

However, Cameroon’s backline executed a disciplined defensive strategy. After the break, the Chawinga sisters attempted a resurgence. Tabitha Chawinga felt hard done by when a penalty appeal was waved away following a VAR check. She later drew a sharp save from goalkeeper Michaely Bihina, with Temwa Chawinga firing just wide off the rebound.

Cameroon weathered the storm and put the match out of reach. On a swift counterattack, Eto beat goalkeeper Sikelo to the ball and delivered a pinpoint cross to Ngah Manga, who headed home her second goal of the night and her fifth of the tournament. The 3-0 scoreline held firm, triggering joyous pitch invasions from the Cameroonian substitutes as the final whistle blew.

Global Footprint and Commercial Growth

Match Detail	Cameroon	Malawi
Final Score	3	0
Tournament Status	Champion (First Title)	Tournament Debutant (Runner-up)
Key Goalscorers	Marie Ngah Manga (2), Naomi Eto (1)	None
Notable Dignitaries Present	FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Patrice Motsepe, Fecafoot President Samuel Eto’o