A first-half brace from Marie Ngah Manga and a spectacular goal from Naomi Eto sealed the triumph for the Indomitable Lionesses, who finally ended years of near-misses on the biggest stage of African women’s football.
First-Half Masterclass
Cameroon wasted little time asserting their authority. In the 20th minute, Ngah Manga opened the scoring with a close-range header after Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo could only push a cross onto the crossbar. The striker reacted quickest to nod the rebound into the net.
Ten minutes later, the lead was doubled in spectacular fashion. Naomi Eto produced a stunning volley, swiveling with her back to goal and finding the corner to make it 2-0.
Malawi, who had been the surprise package of the tournament, struggled to contain Cameroon’s intensity. Just before half-time, in the third minute of added time, Eto rounded Sikelo and squared the ball for Ngah Manga to tap home her second of the night and effectively end the contest.
Second-Half Control
Cameroon continued to dominate after the break. Ngah Manga came close to completing her hat-trick early in the second half but fired wide with the goal at her mercy after rounding the goalkeeper.
Malawi’s best opportunity arrived just after the hour mark. Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina, who had been outstanding throughout the tournament, saved a low effort from Tabitha Chawinga. The rebound fell to Temwa Chawinga, but her shot went wide.
The Chawinga sisters, who had scored nine goals between them on the way to the final, were largely kept quiet by a well-organised Cameroon defence that conceded just two goals from open play across the entire competition.
Historic Achievement
Cameroon’s path to the title was remarkable. They only entered the tournament after CAF expanded the field to 16 teams, having lost a qualifying play-off to Algeria. Once in Morocco they defeated Nigeria in the quarter-finals and hosts Morocco on penalties in the semi-finals before delivering a clinical performance in the final.
Malawi’s fairytale run came to an end, but the Scorchers can take immense pride in their debut campaign. Ranked 153rd in the world, they topped a tough group containing Nigeria and Zambia, then beat Ghana and Algeria to reach the final.
Prize Money and Legacy
Cameroon collect $2 million in prize money as champions, while Malawi receive $750,000 as runners-up. Both sides had already secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil by reaching the final.
The Indomitable Lionesses become only the fourth different winners of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, following Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.
In Rabat, Cameroon finally stood alone at the summit of African women’s football.
