Photo copyright CAF Women Football
In a historic achievement, Cameroon has clinched their first title in the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Malawi 3-0 in the final held in Rabat, Morocco. This victory not only marks a significant triumph for the Indomitable Lionesses but also showcases their dominance throughout the tournament.
Throughout the competition, Cameroon exhibited an outstanding defensive record, conceding only two goals, and none during the knockout stage. However, Sunday’s final presented a formidable challenge as they aimed to neutralize the threat posed by Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, whose combined nine goals propelled Malawi—ranked 153rd by FIFA—to an unexpected final appearance.
Malawi started the match strong, with Tabitha Chawinga delivering a fierce cross from the right wing within the first thirty seconds. The Chawinga sisters worked in tandem, creating potential threats, and in the 10th minute, Temwa nearly capitalized on a pass from Tabitha, but Cameroon’s goalkeeper Michaely Bihina was quick to intervene.
Despite their fiery start, Malawi’s defensive vulnerabilities became evident. Coming into the final, they had conceded seven goals and had not kept a clean sheet, highlighting a significant weakness that ultimately played a crucial role in the match.
In the 20th minute, Cameroon struck first. Winger Naomi Eto sent a threatening cross into the box that was deflected by Malawi’s goalkeeper, Mercy Sikelo, only to rebound off the crossbar and land at the feet of Grace Mendoua. Striker Marie Ngah quickly finished the play, giving Cameroon an early lead.
Just nine minutes later, Eto showcased her flair again with a no-look volley from a corner that found the far post, demonstrating her exceptional skill. Before the first half ended, she assisted Ngah’s second goal, as the striker took advantage of a defensive mishap to score as Sikelo ventured far off her line.
This was Cameroon’s fourth appearance in a WAFCON final, and their scoring spree within the first half reassured fans that they would not repeat previous disappointments. As the second half unfolded, Malawi sought to rally, with Tabitha testing Michaely with a powerful shot, but their efforts remained largely stifled.
With midfielder Rose Kadzera suspended, 19-year-old Faith Chinzimu stepped into a crucial role but struggled to provide the necessary service for Malawi’s forwards. Meanwhile, Cameroon’s midfield, orchestrated by Monique Ngock and Achta Toko, effectively controlled the game, supporting forwards with well-executed plays.
While Malawi’s tournament journey ended in disappointment, they can take pride in their remarkable achievement as WAFCON debutantes. Their progress to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup marks a significant milestone, as they continue to embrace Temwa Chawinga’s pre-tournament declaration of intent to compete fiercely.
Cameroon’s triumph was complemented by standout performances from Player of the Match Ngah and Eto, who is rapidly establishing herself as one of African women’s soccer’s brightest talents. At just 21, Eto has already made a name for herself internationally, and her contributions in this tournament only solidify her rising status.
Collective team spirit was a hallmark of Cameroon’s success, with the squad demonstrating unity through team huddles before, during, and after matches. Their final gathering was particularly poignant as they stood together to receive their WAFCON winner’s medals for the first time, marking a new chapter in the history of women’s football in Cameroon.
