Cameroon Beats Malawi 3-0 to Win Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the First Time

Cameroon made history on Sunday by winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time after defeating tournament debutants Malawi 3-0 in the final.

Marie Ngah Manga scored twice with two headed finishes, while Naomi Eto added the other goal as the Indomitable Lionesses produced a dominant performance.

The victory ended Cameroon's long wait for the continental title after three previous final defeats.

Cameroon Finally Wins WAFCON Title

Cameroon had reached the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final three times before, but lost each time to record 10-time champions Nigeria.

The latest victory gave the Indomitable Lionesses their first WAFCON championship at their fourth attempt.

Cameroon also missed the previous edition of the tournament, making Sunday's triumph an especially significant achievement for the team.

“I feel like it’s a dream,” Ngah Manga said after the match. “Cameroon have been working hard to have this moment and today for us to be champion of Africa is a very, very wonderful thing.”

Marie Ngah Manga Leads Cameroon to Victory

Ngah Manga was the star of the final, scoring twice to take her tournament total to five goals.

Malawi started the match strongly, but Cameroon broke the deadlock in the 21st minute.

Naomi Eto created the opportunity after forcing a save from Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo. Ngah Manga reacted quickly and headed the ball into the net from close range.

Cameroon then doubled its advantage when Eto produced a brilliant individual finish. With her back to goal, she turned superbly before sending the ball inside the right post.

The two-goal advantage gave Cameroon control of the final.

Ngah Manga Completes Her Double

Malawi needed a response after halftime, but Cameroon remained dangerous on the counterattack.

Eto again played a key role in the third goal. She reached the ball before Sikelo and delivered an accurate cross toward Ngah Manga.

The Cameroon forward rose to head the ball into the net and complete her second goal of the match.

The goal effectively settled the final and sparked celebrations among the Cameroon substitutes and players.

Malawi's Chawinga Sisters Denied

Malawi's biggest threat came from sisters Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga.

The pair had helped Malawi make history by reaching the final in its first appearance in the tournament.

Tabitha believed Malawi should have received a penalty after the break, but a VAR review did not result in a spot kick.

She later forced an important save from Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina. Temwa Chawinga then came close from the rebound, but Cameroon survived the pressure.

The Indomitable Lionesses ultimately kept both sisters from finding the breakthrough they needed.

Onguéné Has Goal Ruled Out

Cameroon veteran Gabrielle Aboudi Onguéné entered the match during stoppage time.

The 37-year-old appeared to add a fourth goal shortly after coming onto the field, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Despite the disallowed goal, Onguéné had plenty of reason to celebrate.

She was part of the Cameroon team that lost the 2016 final at home to Nigeria. This time, she finished the tournament as a champion.

Infantino Attends Historic Final

FIFA president Gianni Infantino attended the final alongside CAF president Patrice Motsepe.

Infantino later joined Motsepe during the medal ceremony for the top three teams.

Algeria defeated Morocco in the third-place playoff on Saturday to finish third.

Infantino also appeared alongside Motsepe and Cameroon Football Federation president Samuel Eto’o during celebrations involving Cameroon forward Monique Ngock, who received the player of the tournament award.

Cameroon Makes History

The 3-0 victory represents one of the biggest moments in Cameroon's women's football history.

After three final defeats, the Indomitable Lionesses finally lifted the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy.

Ngah Manga's two goals and Eto's outstanding contribution proved decisive as Cameroon controlled the final and prevented Malawi from completing a remarkable debut tournament with the championship.

For Cameroon, the wait is finally over. The Indomitable Lionesses are African champions for the first time.

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