Cameroon just snagged their first ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, shutting out tournament debutants Malawi with a dominant 3-0 victory in the Moroccan capital, Rabat. Marie Ngah Manga absolutely came up huge, bagging a double in the final, which instantly put her level with Temwa Chawinga and Barbra Banda in the golden boot standings. This win wasn’t just big, it was a statement.
The Indomitable Lionesses Dominate Early
Man, the Indomitable Lionesses absolutely lit up the scoreboard early in Rabat. Ngah Manga got things started in style, connecting with a sick close-range header in the 20th minute to put them ahead. Barely ten minutes later, Naomi Eto dropped a STUNNER on the half hour mark, hitting a volley that just screamed “we’re here to win!” But they weren’t done showing off their offensive firepower. In the third minute of first-half added time, Eto again played the hero, rounding Malawi keeper Mercy Sikelo with pure class and then putting the ball right on a plate for Ngah Manga to tap in for her second. Three-nil at the half? Yeah, that’s how you assert yourself in a championship game, leaving no doubt about who held the momentum.
Malawi’s Dream Run Halted Cold
You gotta hand it to Malawi, though. As the lowest-ranked side at Wafcon 2026, sitting at 153rd in the world, they had an incredible, unexpected run to the final. Their entire tournament was practically built on the attacking prowess of the Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa. But in the final? Cameroon’s defense was absolutely LOCKED IN. They totally marshalled those two Scorchers stars, making sure Malawi couldn’t secure that fairy tale ending. Ngah Manga even had a chance for a hat-trick early in the second half, getting past Sikelo but firing wide from six yards with the goal gaping. Malawi’s best shot came just after the hour mark when Cameroon keeper Michaely Bihina saved a low effort from Tabitha Chawinga, only for her younger sister to turn and fire the rebound wide. Cameroon just wasn’t giving them an inch.
The Wildest Ride to Wafcon Glory
Here’s the kicker, the part that makes this triumph even crazier: Cameroon’s path to this title was unbelievable. Can you believe they missed the 2024 Wafcon and actually FAILED to qualify for *these* finals? They lost 3-1 on aggregate to Algeria in their second round tie. So, how’d they get in? The Confederation of African Football, CAF, expanded the finals from 12 to 16 teams, and Cameroon advanced based on their world ranking. This isn’t just a win; it’s a redemption story for a team that had previously lost three Wafcon finals. Finally breaking through to claim their first title, and bagging a cool $2 million in prize money, is massive. They’re only the fourth side ever to win it, joining Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and South Africa in that elite club.
What’s Next for These Wafcon Stars
And the best part? Both Cameroon and Malawi have earned their tickets to the biggest stage: the 2027 Women’s Fifa World Cup in Brazil. They’ll be there alongside fellow Wafcon semi-finalists Algeria and Morocco. This Wafcon was full of twists and turns, showcasing some incredible talent, and it just set the stage for what should be a seriously exciting World Cup. Get ready, because these teams are coming!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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