Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses Win Historic First Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Title
It was a historic night for Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses, who lifted their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy after defeating Malawi 3–0 in the final at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Sunday.
Cameroon produced a dominant first-half performance, scoring all three goals before the break to end decades of heartbreak in the continental competition.
Forward Marie Ngah Manga was the star of the final, scoring twice, while Naomi Ndjoah Eto added another goal as the Lionesses secured a landmark victory. Ngah opened the scoring in the 20th minute before Ndjoah Eto doubled the lead ten minutes later. Ngah completed her brace deep into first-half stoppage time, giving Cameroon an unassailable advantage before halftime.
The triumph marked Cameroon’s first WAFCON title after three previous final defeats — in 2004, 2014 and 2016, all against Nigeria’s Super Falcons. The victory also made Cameroon the fourth nation to win the women’s continental championship, joining Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa in the list of African champions.
For years, the Indomitable Lionesses were regarded as one of Africa’s strongest women’s football teams but had struggled to convert their success into silverware.
Cameroon had reached the WAFCON final four times before Sunday’s victory, a record among Central African nations, but repeatedly fell short against Nigeria, who dominated the competition for much of its history.
The 2026 campaign represented a major turnaround. Cameroon eliminated defending champions Nigeria in the quarter-finals before defeating tournament hosts Morocco in a dramatic semi-final penalty shootout to reach the final in Rabat.
The victory represents a major milestone for women’s football in Cameroon, a country whose football identity has traditionally been dominated by the achievements of the men’s national team.
The Indomitable Lionesses’ success comes after years of investment and growing recognition of women’s football across Africa. Their achievement also strengthens Cameroon’s position among the continent’s elite football nations, becoming only the third country after Nigeria and South Africa to win both the men’s and women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles.
Although Malawi fell short in the final, their tournament campaign was also historic. The Scorchers reached the WAFCON final for the first time in their history, achieving the feat during their debut appearance at the tournament.
Their unexpected run to the final was considered one of the biggest stories of the competition, as they challenged established African football powers on their way to the championship match.
The victory in Rabat ends a long wait for Cameroon and delivers a defining moment for a generation of players who had repeatedly come close to continental success.
After years of disappointment, the Indomitable Lionesses have finally transformed from Africa’s perennial runners-up into champions — creating a new chapter in Cameroon’s football history.
