Cameroon win first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title

Cameroon have won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time, beating tournament debutants Malawi 3-0 in Rabat. Marie Ngah Manga scored two headers and Naomi Eto added the other as the Indomitable Lionesses built an unassailable first-half lead. The victory ended a run of three defeats in previous finals, all against Nigeria.

Their path to the trophy had looked closed months earlier. Cameroon lost both legs of their final qualifying tie against Algeria and initially missed the tournament. When the competition expanded from 12 teams to 16, however, four of the highest-ranked losing qualifiers were admitted, giving Cameroon an unexpected second chance that they ultimately converted into a continental title.

Malawi also produced a landmark campaign. The lowest-ranked team at the tournament reached the final on their first appearance, powered along the way by sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga. Although Cameroon’s defence contained them in the decider, Malawi’s run still secured a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Cameroon, Algeria and Morocco also qualified by reaching the semifinals.