Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses have won their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, defeating debutants Malawi 3-0 in Sunday’s final in Rabat, Morocco.
Cameroon took control early at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, scoring all three goals before halftime. Marie Manga opened the scoring in the 20th minute before Naomi Eto doubled the lead nine minutes later. Manga then completed her brace in stoppage time to give Cameroon a commanding 3-0 advantage.
Malawi tried to mount a comeback after the break, but the Chawinga sisters, Temwa and Tabitha, were unable to breach Cameroon’s defence. Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina also played a key role in preserving the clean sheet as Cameroon comfortably held on for the historic victory.
The triumph ended Cameroon’s long wait for the continental crown after three previous final defeats against Nigeria in 2004, 2014 and 2016. Cameroon became the fourth nation to win the WAFCON, joining Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.
For Malawi, the defeat brought an end to a remarkable debut campaign. The Scorchers had stunned defending champions Nigeria in the group stage before eliminating Ghana and Algeria to reach their first WAFCON final. Algeria claimed the bronze medal after defeating hosts Morocco in the third-place playoff.
Leave a comment