Cameroon claim first Wafcon title with victory over Malawi

Cameroon cruised to a 3-0 victory over tournament debutants Malawi to claim their first ever Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) title.

Marie Ngah Manga's close-range header put the Indomitable Lionesses ahead in the 20th minute and Naomi Eto doubled the lead with a stunning volley on the half hour mark in the Moroccan capital Rabat.

The Central Africans made it 3-0 in the third minute of first-half added time as Eto rounded Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo and put the ball on a plate for striker Ngah Manga to score her fifth goal at the finals.

Malawi, the lowest-ranked side at Wafcon 2026 at 153rd in the world, reached the final on the back of the attacking prowess of the Chawinga sisters Tabitha and Temwa.

However, the two Scorchers stars were well marshalled

This tournament was described to me ahead of the final as 'the Women's Africa Cup of Nations of our lifetime', and rightly so.

Aside from host nation Morocco, no-one would have predicted such a last four line-up or the two sides who would ultimately contest the final.

Caf's decision to expand the tournament to 16 nations has proved to be the right one, allowing teams away from the likes of Nigeria and South Africa to demonstrate their qualities and bridge the gap to the continent's elite.

In the end, this young generation of Cameroon players had too much for Malawi - with Monique Ngock sparkling in midfield once again to prevent passes up to the Chawinga sisters that had been so effective in their run to the final.

Michaely Bihina's shot-stopping has also been a tournament highlight, as the fairy tale for the team ranked 153rd in the world came to an abrupt end with some nervy defending.

But both sides have next year's Women's World Cup to prepare for alongside Morocco and Algeria, who will be making their debut alongside Malawi.

Farid Benstiti's Fennecs have arguably made the most marked improvement since the last edition of Wafcon 13 months ago, and there is so much to look forward to from the four guaranteed African teams in Brazil next year.