Cameroon wins Women's Africa Cup of Nations for first time

Cameroon's women's national team defeated surprise finalists Malawi 3-0 in Rabat on Sunday to win the Women's Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in its history. The Indomitable Lionesses had previously lost three finals — in 2004, 2014 and 2016 — all to Nigeria, without scoring a single goal in those matches.

Notably, Cameroon did not originally qualify for this tournament, losing twice to Algeria in the final qualifying round. However, organisers later expanded the competition from 12 to 16 teams, and Cameroon was among four higher-ranked losing teams given a second chance to compete. Morocco hosted the tournament for the third consecutive time.

Malawi, ranked 153rd in the world, made their tournament debut and reached the final by beating defending champions Nigeria along with Egypt, Ghana and Algeria. Much of their run was driven by sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, who combined for nine goals during the competition.

Malawi started the final strongly but could not convert their chances into goals. Cameroon gradually took control and went ahead in the 20th minute when Marie Ngah headed in a rebound after a cross struck the crossbar. Naomi Eto doubled the lead in the 29th minute, spinning with her back to goal to strike the ball into the corner. Ngah added her second goal of the match, and fourth of the tournament, three minutes into first-half stoppage time, heading in a cross from Eto.

Malawi improved defensively in the second half but were unable to find a way back into the game. Among the spectators at the final was FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has faced criticism over a proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. He was joined by Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe and first vice-president Fouzi Lekjaa.

By reaching the semi-finals, Cameroon, Malawi, third-placed Algeria and hosts Morocco all secured qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.