Cameroon have been crowned champions of Africa for the first time after defeating Malawi 3-0 in the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Rabat, Morocco.

The Indomitable Lionesses produced a dominant first-half performance at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium on Sunday, August 16, scoring all three goals before the break to end Malawi’s remarkable debut campaign with a heavy defeat.

The victory finally delivered a first continental title for Cameroon after the Central African nation had previously finished runners-up three times in the competition.

Cameroon dominate Malawi in historic final

Cameroon took control of the final from the opening stages and quickly put Malawi under pressure.

Marie Gisèle Ngah Manga opened the scoring in the 20th minute before Naomi Ndjoah Eto doubled Cameroon’s advantage nine minutes later.

Ngah Manga then completed her brace before half-time, giving Cameroon a commanding 3-0 lead at the interval.

Malawi, who were appearing at the WAFCON for the first time, were unable to produce the comeback that had characterised their remarkable run through the tournament.

Cameroon maintained their advantage in the second half to secure a historic victory and lift the trophy.

First WAFCON title for Cameroon

The triumph marks a major milestone in Cameroonian women’s football.

The Indomitable Lionesses had previously reached the WAFCON final on three occasions but lost each time. Their latest victory finally ended that wait and established Cameroon as African champions for the first time.

Cameroon’s victory also adds another name to the list of nations that have won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Ngah Manga stars in final

Marie Gisèle Ngah Manga was the standout player of the final after scoring twice.

Her first goal came in the 20th minute before she returned to score Cameroon’s third goal and complete her brace before half-time.

The performance capped a strong tournament for the Cameroonian forward and played a major role in her country’s historic title success.

Malawi’s historic WAFCON run ends with silver medal

Despite the defeat, Malawi leave Morocco with plenty to celebrate.

The Scorchers reached the WAFCON final in their tournament debut, producing one of the most remarkable runs in the competition’s history.

Their run also secured Malawi a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, giving the country its first appearance at the global tournament.

Although they could not complete the fairytale by winning the African title, reaching the final represents a landmark achievement for Malawi women’s football.

Cameroon 3-0 Malawi: Final result

Cameroon 3-0 Malawi

Goals:

• Marie Gisèle Ngah Manga — 20′
• Naomi Ndjoah Eto — 29′
• Marie Gisèle Ngah Manga — first half

Venue: Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat, Morocco
Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026
Competition: WAFCON 2026 Final

What next for Cameroon and Malawi?

Cameroon will now celebrate their historic WAFCON triumph after finally breaking their final hoodoo.

For Malawi, the focus will shift towards their historic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they will represent Africa on the world stage.

The 2026 WAFCON has therefore produced two major stories: Cameroon’s first African title and Malawi’s extraordinary rise to the final and World Cup qualification.

For Nigeria, the tournament ended in disappointment. The Super Falcons were eliminated by Cameroon in the quarter-finals before subsequently missing out on the 2027 Women’s World Cup after losing to South Africa in the African play-off.

WAFCON 2026 Final: Cameroon 3-0 Malawi

Cameroon are finally African champions.

The Indomitable Lionesses turned years of final heartbreak into history with a commanding 3-0 victory over Malawi, while the Scorchers can look back on a groundbreaking campaign that culminated in their first WAFCON final and qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

Cameroon are the 2026 WAFCON champions.

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