Cameroon have won their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title after defeating Malawi 3-0 in Rabat on Sunday.
The Indomitable Lionesses settled the final in a dominant first-half display, scoring three times before the break to end Malawi’s remarkable run at the tournament.
Marie Ngah Manga scored twice, while Naomi Eto added a spectacular scissors kick as Cameroon took a commanding lead before half-time.
Cameroon had reached the final after eliminating Nigeria and hosts Morocco, having previously lost three WAFCON finals.
Malawi, competing in their first WAFCON campaign, struggled to match Cameroon despite their impressive run to the final. They had entered the tournament ranked 153rd in the world.
Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina made an early save at the feet of Temwa Chawinga as Malawi looked to threaten in the opening minutes.
Bihina also denied Chikondi Gondwe in the 14th minute before Cameroon began to take control.
Cameroon opened the scoring in the 20th minute after Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo failed to deal with Grace Mendoua’s cross.
Sikelo pushed the cross onto her own crossbar, allowing Ngah Manga to react quickly and head the ball into the net from close range.
Malawi tried to respond, but Cameroon remained in control.
Sikelo then produced another uncertain save to keep out Eto’s effort before Cameroon doubled their advantage from the resulting corner.
Achta Toko Njoya delivered a teasing cross into the box, and Eto beat Sikelo with an inventive scissors kick to make it 2-0.
Malawi were struggling to contain Cameroon, and their defensive problems continued into first-half stoppage time.
Three minutes into added time, Sikelo rushed out to challenge Eto but misjudged the situation. The winger rounded the goalkeeper before calmly crossing for Ngah Manga, who completed her brace and gave Cameroon a 3-0 lead.
Cameroon went into the break with the final effectively decided.
Malawi started the second half with greater attacking intent, with Tabitha Chawinga sending an effort narrowly wide shortly after the restart.
Cameroon then missed a chance to add a fourth when Ngah Manga rounded Sikelo but fired into the side netting with an open goal in front of her.
A subsequent VAR check for a possible penalty did not result in a spot kick.
Malawi continued to search for a goal, with the Chawinga sisters combining well on one occasion before Temwa fired wide.
Cameroon controlled much of the second half as Malawi struggled to maintain the intensity of their earlier performances.
Grace Mendoua fired over from a tight angle in the 72nd minute, while Sikelo later denied Eto from close range.
Veteran Gabrielle Onguene appeared to add a fourth in the final moments after entering the match as a 91st-minute substitute for Ngah Manga.
Onguene broke through the Malawi defence and finished past Sikelo, but VAR ruled out the goal for offside.
The result nevertheless secured Cameroon’s first WAFCON crown and ended Malawi’s historic debut campaign with a runners-up finish.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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