Rabat: Cameroon defeated tournament debutant Malawi in the final of the Womens Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, earning the trophy for the first time. The Indomitable Lionesses, who failed to qualify for the previous edition of the tournament, had lost their last three appearances in the final-all to 10-time winner Nigeria.
According to France24.com, Cameroon, who initially failed to qualify for the 2026 Womens Africa Cup of Nations, received a second chance after the tournament organizers expanded the number of participating teams from 12 to 16. This adjustment allowed the four highest-ranked losers, including Cameroon, to join the competition. The tournament was hosted by Morocco for the third consecutive time.
In the final match held in Rabat, Marie Ngah scored twice and Naomi Eto added another goal, leading Cameroon to a 3-0 victory. This triumph marked Cameroon’s first title after previously finishing as runners-up on three occasions. The team had initially lost in the qualifying rounds to Algeria but
was later included in the competition due to the expanded field.
Malawi’s journey to the final was a notable achievement, as they were ranked 153rd in the world. The team, led by the Chawinga sisters, captain Tabitha and Temwa, had scored nine goals between them throughout the tournament. Despite their impressive run, Malawi was unable to secure a victory in the final.
The final was attended by embattled FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who was accompanied by Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe and first vice-president Fouzi Lekjaa. Infantino is currently facing challenges regarding his proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
Malawi, the lowest ranked nation in the tournament, defied expectations by reaching the final after defeating defending champions Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, and Algeria. The Scorchers started the final with energy, creating several opportunities through the power and pace of the Chawingas, but were unable to convert these chances into goals.
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ameroon capitalized on their opportunities, with Ngah scoring her fourth goal of the tournament in the 20th minute, followed by a second goal from Eto in the 29th minute. Ngah secured her second goal of the match just before halftime, ensuring Cameroon’s dominance in the game.
The victory not only earned Cameroon the championship title but also secured their place in the 2027 Womens World Cup in Brazil, alongside Malawi, third-placed Algeria, and Morocco. Additionally, quarter-finalists South Africa and Ghana have the opportunity to qualify through inter-continental play-offs, potentially increasing the number of African teams in the World Cup to six.