Rabat: Cameroon’s women’s football team triumphantly shattered the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) glass ceiling by clinching their first-ever title after defeating Malawi 3-0 in Rabat. This victory on August 16, 2026, marks a significant milestone for the team after three previous final defeats.
According to Global Voices, this victory is a testament to the team’s perseverance and the progressive evolution of African women’s football. Cameroon, long regarded as a powerhouse in African women’s football, had reached the WAFCON final in 2004, 2014, and 2016 but suffered losses each time. However, the indomitable Lionesses rewrote their history at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, securing their place among Africa’s football elite.
Before this championship, Cameroon had the distinction of being the Central African nation with the most WAFCON final appearances without a win. In the final against Malawi, Cameroon dominated from the start. Marie Ngah Manga opened the scoring in the 20th minute, followed by Nao
mi Najoah Eto’s acrobatic strike nine minutes later. Ngah Manga added another goal just before halftime, securing a decisive 3-0 lead. BeIN Sports provided comprehensive coverage, while Yardbarker delivered a tactical analysis of the match.
The victory not only crowned Cameroon as champions but also made them the fourth African nation to hold the WAFCON trophy, joining Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and South Africa. Interestingly, Cameroon initially did not secure their tournament spot through qualification but participated due to an expansion from 12 to 16 teams. Once in the competition, they defeated Ghana, Nigeria, and Morocco to reach the final.
Cameroonian women’s football has produced notable players, and the current generation is no exception. Monique Ngock, a 21-year-old midfielder, was named Woman of the Competition for her exceptional performance. According to Yardbarker, Ngock is recognized for her tenacity and composure. Her journey from participating in the 2022 quarter-final to being a key playe
r in this victory adds significance to the win.
The individual accolades at the tournament saw Cameroonian players shine. Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina was awarded Best Goalkeeper for her role in the semi-final, while Marie Ngah Manga was named Player of the Final. However, Malawian player Temwa Chawinga claimed the Golden Boot with five goals.
Cameroon’s victory comes as African women’s football gains momentum, narrowing the talent gap between nations. The final was historic, featuring two teams that had never won the title, symbolizing growing support for women’s football across the region.
As Cameroon celebrates this landmark achievement, the challenge is to build on this success by investing in women’s leagues, improving preparation conditions, and fostering youth development. This victory is not just a trophy but a transformative moment for young girls across Africa, inspiring a new vision for women’s football.