2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations: Cameroon sweep Malawi to claim their first title

16.08.26 FT Africa Women Cup of Nations

Cameroon W

3

:

Malawi W

0

It's a historic achievement. Cameroon have joined the elite list of nations crowned at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. On Sunday in Rabat, the indomitable Lionesses asserted their dominance over Malawi with a resounding 3-0 win in the final, securing their first-ever continental triumph.

A show of strength

Right from the start, Valentine Nguele’s players set the tempo for the match. Marie Gisèle Nga Manga opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a poacher’s finish inside the box. Naomi Ito doubled the lead in the 30th minute with a spectacular acrobatic bicycle kick. Then, in first-half stoppage time, Ito broke down the flank and whipped in a cross that Nga Manga converted for her brace. 3-0 at the break.

An unbreakable defense

In the second half, Malawi tried to mount a comeback. But the Chawinga sisters’ surges were constantly thwarted by Cameroon’s rock-solid back line. Since the start of the tournament, the defense had conceded just two goals. Michaely Behina, who starred against Nigeria and Morocco, continued her commanding performances. Cameroon nearly extended their lead further: in the 90+1st minute, Gabrielle Aboudi Onguene found the net, but the goal was ruled out.

Nguele writes her own legend just two months after appointment

Just two months after taking charge, Valentine Nguele delivers Cameroon their first-ever title. Undefeated, topping Group D, and defeating Nigeria, Morocco, and Malawi, the Lionesses left no room for doubt.

With this triumph, Cameroon also book their ticket to the 2027 World Cup. Twenty-nine years after starting her journey as a player, Nguele becomes the fourth coach to win the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, penning a glorious new chapter in both her career and the story of Cameroonian women’s football.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

Related teams and leagues

Cameroon W

Malawi W

Africa Women Cup of Nations