The Indomitable Lionesses scored three times before half-time to secure a historic victory in Rabat and finally end Cameroon’s long wait for the continental women’s football crown.

Cameroon have been crowned champions of Africa for the first time after defeating Malawi 3-0 in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final in Rabat, Morocco.

The Indomitable Lionesses produced a commanding performance from the opening whistle, taking control of the final with three goals in a devastating first-half display that left Malawi with a mountain to climb after the interval.

Marie Ngah Manga set Cameroon on their way when she opened the scoring, giving her side the perfect start in the championship decider.

Naomi Eto then doubled Cameroon’s advantage with a superb swivelling finish, further exposing Malawi’s defensive struggles as the Lionesses continued to press forward.

Ngah Manga struck again before the break to complete her brace and give Cameroon a 3-0 lead at half-time.

With the three-goal cushion firmly established, Cameroon managed the second half effectively, keeping Malawi at bay and protecting their advantage until the final whistle.

The victory sparked celebrations among the Cameroonian players and supporters as the country finally secured a WAFCON title that had eluded its women’s national team for decades.

Cameroon had previously reached the WAFCON final on three occasions but failed to lift the trophy each time. Their most recent appearance before the 2026 tournament came in 2016, when they were beaten 1-0 by Nigeria in the final.

The 2026 triumph therefore represents a significant chapter in the history of Cameroonian women’s football, bringing an end to years of near misses on the continent’s biggest stage.

The achievement was made even more special by the presence of veteran forward Gabrielle Onguene, who was part of Cameroon’s squad for the 2016 final against Nigeria.

Onguene, 37, came off the bench in second-half stoppage time in Rabat, making her eighth appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

For the experienced forward, the final capped a remarkable WAFCON journey and provided a fitting opportunity to celebrate Cameroon’s long-awaited breakthrough.

While Cameroon celebrated a historic first title, Malawi were left to reflect on an otherwise remarkable tournament.

The final was the first time Malawi had reached the WAFCON championship match, and their run represented a major milestone for the country’s women’s football team.

Although they could not complete their impressive campaign with the trophy, reaching the final marked Malawi’s arrival among Africa’s leading women’s football nations.

Cameroon’s emphatic victory in Rabat now places the Indomitable Lionesses among Africa’s continental champions and gives the country a landmark achievement to celebrate.

For a team that had endured several painful final defeats, the 3-0 victory over Malawi was more than just another win. It was the culmination of years of persistence, and Cameroon finally have the WAFCON trophy to show for it.