Cameroon claim first WAFCON title as Malawi reach final debut

Cameroon have secured their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, defeating Malawi 3-0 in the final held in Morocco. The victory for the Indomitable Lionesses concludes a period of frustration, ending a record of three previous final losses in their fourth attempt at the continental championship.

Marie Ngah was the decisive figure for Cameroon, scoring a first-half double to establish dominance early in the match. Ngah reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box to open the scoring in the 20th minute. Naomi Eto doubled the advantage on the half-hour mark, and Ngah added her second goal in the third minute of added time following a pass from Eto.

Malawi, ranked 153rd in the world and 32nd in Africa, made their debut at the tournament and produced a fairytale run to the decider. Despite the heavy defeat, the surprise package finished as runners-up, having been outgunned by a Cameroon side that led 3-0 at the break.

The result confirms qualification for the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Brazil for the finalists. Cameroon and Malawi, along with fellow semifinalists Morocco and Algeria, have secured their places at the global tournament. Morocco completed the podium by winning the bronze medal fixture on penalties against Algeria on Saturday.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the medals to the winning team in the presence of Confederation of African Football President Patrice Motsepe. Several Cameroon players requested photographs with Infantino during the ceremony. The Swiss official has long enjoyed support on the African continent as he bids for re-election next March, despite facing worldwide condemnation over now-abandoned plans to sell a stake in future World Cups.

Cameroon becomes the fourth different winner of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations since the tournament began in 1998. Nigeria holds the record with 10 titles, while Equatorial Guinea has won twice and South Africa once.