Cameroon joins Nigeria, South Africa in exclusive club of men’s and women’s title winners

Cameroon have finally reached the summit of African women’s football, lifting their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title after a commanding 3–0 victory over Malawi in the 2026 final in Rabat, Morocco.

The historic triumph ends years of near misses for the Indomitable Lionesses, who have joined the exclusive group of African nations to win both the men’s and women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles, alongside Nigeria and South Africa.

The final brought together two teams with remarkable stories, but Cameroon quickly stamped their authority on the contest, playing with confidence, purpose and determination from the opening whistle.

Marie Ngah opened the scoring in the 20th minute, giving Cameroon an early advantage. Naomi Ndjoah Eto then doubled the lead eight minutes later before Ngah struck again shortly before half-time to complete her brace and send the Lionesses into the break with a commanding 3–0 advantage.

With the damage already done, Cameroon controlled the second half expertly. The Lionesses frustrated Malawi’s attempts to launch a comeback and comfortably managed the game to secure a landmark continental triumph.

For Malawi, reaching the final was itself a historic achievement. The She-Flames had never previously appeared in a WAFCON championship match, making their run to the final one of the tournament’s biggest underdog stories.

Cameroon’s road to the summit has been defined by persistence and heartbreak. The Lionesses finished runners-up in 2004, 2014 and 2016, repeatedly falling short in their pursuit of a maiden continental crown.

Their qualification for the 2026 tournament was also unusual. Cameroon initially failed to qualify before securing their place following the expansion of the competition from 12 to 16 teams.

This time, however, there was no heartbreak.

The emphatic victory completed Cameroon’s transformation from perennial contenders into African champions and secured the first WAFCON crown in the history of the Indomitable Lionesses.

Cameroon are now the Queens of Africa, joining Nigeria and South Africa in the exclusive club of nations to have conquered both the men’s and women’s Africa Cup of Nations.