WAFCON 2026: Cameroon’s long‑awaited triumph crowns Lionesses

Cameroon’s 3‑0 triumph over Malawi in the WAFCON 2026 final on Sunday secured the Indomitable Lionesses their first TotalEnergies CAF Womens Africa Cup of Nations title, ending a long wait after three previous final defeats, with a dominant first‑half display at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, a milestone for Women Football.

First‑half dominance and historic breakthrough

On Sunday.Marie Ngah opened the scoring in the 20th minute, giving the Lionesses an early lead. The Indomitable side continued to press, forcing Malawi onto the back foot.

Ten minutes later Naomi Ndjoah Eto doubled the advantage, finishing after a pass from Myriam Nyadjou. The Scorchers struggled to contain the Cameroonian attack.

Ngah completed her brace three minutes into first‑half stoppage time, with Eto providing the assist to put Cameroon 3‑0 ahead. The three‑goal margin effectively settled the final before the interval.

The victory ends Cameroon’s long wait for WAFCON success after three previous final defeats to Nigeria in 2004, 2014 and 2016, making them only the fourth nation to win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, joining Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa. The final was played on August 16, 2026.

Malawi’s remarkable debut WAFCON campaign ended in defeat, but reaching the final represented a major achievement for the Scorchers. Their run highlighted the growing competitiveness of Women Football in the continent.

Ten years after losing the 2016 final on home soil, Cameroon finally reached the summit of African women’s football, cementing their place among the elite nations.