Cameroon Beat Malawi 3-0 to Win First Wafcon Title

Cameroon are Women's Africa Cup of Nations champions for the first time after a 3-0 victory over Malawi at the Moulay Hassan Stadium. Marie Ngah Manga scored twice, while Ajara Nchout Eto supplied the other goal as the Indomitable Lionesses completed a breakthrough tournament under coach Valentine Nguele. The result ended Cameroon's long wait after losing previous finals in 2004, 2014 and 2016.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMYKQFAm0pY

The opening stages were cautious, with Malawi looking for Temwa Chawinga through early forward passes. Cameroon broke the deadlock after the Malawi defence failed to deal with a cross from the right. Grace Mendoua directed a header back across goal, goalkeeper Samir Amadou Sikele pushed it on to the bar, and Ngah Manga reacted first to score from close range.

Eto doubled the advantage after Malawi could not clear a corner. She pivoted inside the area and sent a first-time finish into the bottom-right corner. The third goal again came from pressure on the Malawi back line: Genevieve Ngo Mbeleck played Eto through, the forward reached the byline before the goalkeeper, and her cross allowed Ngah Manga to head into an unguarded net.

Cameroon's title run was built on more than the final. Nguele only took charge in June, but his side eliminated defending force Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-finals and then defeated hosts Morocco on penalties in the semi-finals. Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina was decisive in both ties, making nine saves against Nigeria before stopping an extra-time penalty and three shootout attempts against Morocco. She had far less to do in the final as Cameroon controlled Malawi's attacking threat.

Malawi's defeat brought an abrupt end to one of the tournament's surprise runs. Ranked 153rd in the world, they had used the Chawinga sisters effectively on their route to the final, but Cameroon's midfield restricted the supply line. The expanded 16-team tournament produced an unexpected last four and showed greater competitive depth beyond the continent's established powers.

Both finalists still leave the competition with a major next step secured. Cameroon and Malawi have qualified for next year's Women's World Cup in Brazil, alongside Morocco and Algeria. For Cameroon, however, the night belongs to a first continental crown: three goals, a clean sheet and a title that had escaped them through three previous final defeats.