WOMEN’S AFCON 2026: The Indomitable Lionesses’ Epic Crowning

Reinstated at the start of the tournament, the Cameroonian side delivered one of the most sensational exploits in African football history by claiming their very first continental title this Sunday, August 16 in Rabat, thanks to an emphatic 3-0 victory over Malawi.

Facing the surprise package Malawi and their formidable attacking duo, sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga, Cameroon did not flinch. Powered by an ironclad defense and lethal efficiency on set pieces, the Lionesses put the game to bed in the first half:

20′ – Marie Gisèle Ngah Manga opened the scoring with a powerful header (1-0).

29′ – Naomi Eto doubled the lead, stunning the Scorchers (2-0).

45’+3 – Ngah Manga completed her brace with another header right before halftime (3-0).

In the second half, the Cameroonian wall neutralized every Malawian attack to seal this historic triumph.

This maiden title comes at the end of a heroic journey throughout the tournament:

Group Stage: Finished top of Group D following a crucial victory over Ghana (1-0) and a draw against Cape Verde (1-1).

Quarter-finals: A major upset eliminating 10-time continental champions Nigeria (1-0)—a victory that also secured their qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Semi-finals: Advanced past host nation Morocco in a tense penalty shootout (0-0, 3-1 on pens), anchored by decisive saves from goalkeeper Michaely Bihina.

After losing three previous finals to the Nigerian powerhouse (2004, 2014, and 2016), Cameroon has finally broken the curse. This triumph makes the country one of the very few nations to have won both the men’s and women’s AFCON titles, joining Nigeria and South Africa.

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