Cameroon secured their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday with a commanding 3-0 victory over tournament debutants Malawi in the final.
Marie Ngah Manga headed two goals and Naomi Eto added the third as the Indomitable Lionesses ended a run of three consecutive final defeats, all suffered against record 10-time champions Nigeria. Cameroon had failed to qualify for the previous edition of the tournament.
The match was attended by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe. Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroon Football Federation, celebrated enthusiastically from the stands.
Malawi started brightly but fell behind in the 21st minute when Ngah Manga converted from close range. Eight minutes later, Eto turned sharply with her back to goal and placed the ball inside the right post to double the advantage. Eto had also forced the save that led to the opening goal.
Malawi struggled to respond and the result was effectively sealed on a counterattack when Eto beat goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo to the ball and delivered a precise cross for Ngah Manga to head her second of the game and fifth of the tournament.
The Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, attempted to spark a Malawi revival after the break. Tabitha Chawinga appealed for a penalty but a video assistant referee review dismissed the claim. She later forced a strong save from Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina, and Temwa Chawinga went close from the rebound.
Cameroon’s substitutes poured onto the field at the final whistle to celebrate a historic triumph that marks a significant shift in the continental women’s game.
