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Cameroon win maiden WAFCON title

Cameroon have won their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title after defeating debutants Malawi three-nil in the final in Rabat, Morocco .

The Indomitable Lionesses produced a dominant first-half performance, scoring all three goals before the break. Marie Ngah opened the scoring in the 20th minute before Naomi Ndjoah Eto doubled the advantage 10 minutes later. Ngah then completed her brace in first-half stoppage time to give Cameroon a commanding 3-0 lead.

Malawi, making their first ever appearance at the WAFCON, struggled to find a way back into the game after the break as Cameroon held on comfortably to secure a historic maiden continental crown.

Malawi’s remarkable campaign nevertheless saw them reach the final on their tournament debut and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Cameroon, who had previously finished runners-up three times, finally ended their long wait for the title after reaching their fourth final.

Algeria secured third place after beating hosts Morocco 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the third-place play-off. The result saw Morocco finish fourth on home soil.

Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga was named the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, while Cameroon’s Monique Ngock was named Player of the Tournament. The Goalkeeper of the Tournament Award went to Cameroon’s Michaely Bihina, with Algeria winning the Fair Play Award.

The 2026 edition was the 14th WAFCON tournament. Nigeria remains the most successful nation in the competition’s history with ten titles, while Equatorial Guinea have won twice and South Africa once. Cameroon now joins that list as the fourth nation to lift the trophy.

The next Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will be held in 2028, with the host country yet to be officially confirmed.