The wait lasted until 2026. After three lost finals, Cameroon finally has its first women's AFCON. On Sunday evening in Rabat, the Indomitable Lionesses dominated Malawi 3-0 in the final to claim the first continental title in their history.
A final wrapped up in one half
Cameroon gave the Malawian dream no time to take hold. Marie Ngah opened the scoring in the 20th minute, before Naomi Ndjoah Eto doubled the lead in the 30th. Ngah then completed her brace in first-half stoppage time: 3-0 at the break.
Malawi, the tournament's surprise package and finalists in their very first appearance, never rediscovered the momentum that had allowed them to eliminate Ghana and then Algeria in the previous rounds.
A title born from a second chance
That is what makes this title even more remarkable. The Lionesses were initially not qualified for this AFCON. They were ultimately given a second chance — and they turned it into a continental triumph.
On their road to glory, they successively eliminated:
- Nigeria, the defending champions, in the quarter-finals;
- Morocco, the host nation, in the semi-finals, on penalties (3-1);
- Malawi in the final, with absolute dominance.
Three opponents, three different scenarios, one same result: Cameroon are African champions.
A new hierarchy in the making?
This AFCON may tell a story that goes beyond a first Cameroonian title. Nigeria, the historic powerhouse of African women's football, did not reach the semi-finals. Morocco, twice finalists in previous editions, were eliminated on home soil. South Africa also exited the competition before the final four.
Meanwhile, Malawi reached the final in their debut appearance, and Cameroon finally lifted the trophy. African women's football may have just changed its face.
And the Lionesses, long condemned to the role of unfortunate runners-up, have just taken the most important place of all: that of African champions.
Comments
By posting, you agree to our privacy policy.