The Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon have been crowned champions of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a commanding 3-0 victory over tournament debutants Malawi in the final on Sunday, August 16, in Morocco.
Cameroon produced a dominant first-half performance to finally claim the continental crown after previously finishing as runners-up on three occasions.
Marie Gisèle Ngah Manga was the star of the final, scoring twice, while Naomi Eto added the other goal as Cameroon raced into a 3-0 lead before the break. Ngah opened the scoring in the 20th minute before Eto doubled the advantage, with Ngah completing her brace in first-half stoppage time.
The triumph completes an impressive campaign for Cameroon, who went unbeaten throughout the tournament. The Indomitable Lionesses won five of their six matches and drew once.
They began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Mali before edging Ghana 1-0. A 1-1 draw in their final group game saw them finish top of their group with seven points and progress to the quarter-finals.
In the quarter-finals, Cameroon produced one of the biggest results of the tournament, defeating defending champions and ten-time African champions Nigeria 1-0 to book their place in the last four. The victory also secured their qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Cameroon then faced hosts Morocco in a dramatic semi-final. After the match ended 1-1 following regulation time, the Lionesses held their nerve in the shootout, winning 3-1 on penalties to reach their fourth WAFCON final.
In the final, coach Valentine Nguele, who was appointed as the first woman to take charge of the Indomitable Lionesses in June 2026, guided Cameroon to their historic triumph. Nguele succeeded Jean-Baptiste Bisseck and entered the tournament with the task of restoring Cameroon to the top of African women’s football.
Cameroon’s individual brilliance was also recognised at the awards ceremony. Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina won the Golden Glove as the tournament’s best goalkeeper, while Monique Ngock was named Woman of the Competition. Malawi’s star forward Temwa Chawinga claimed the PUMA Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, while Marie Ngah Manga was named Player of the Final.
The victory marks a historic moment for Cameroon, who had reached the WAFCON final three times before but had never lifted the trophy.
The newly crowned African champions leave Morocco with the continental title, medals and a US$2 million prize as they celebrate one of the greatest achievements in the history of Cameroonian women’s football.
By: Victoria Kwofie
