Cameroon pocket $2m after beating Malawi to win first WAFCON title

Cameroon have been rewarded with a record $2 million prize after beating Malawi 3-0 to win their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco.

The Indomitable Lionesses produced a commanding performance in the final at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, August 16, to finally end their long wait for continental glory.

Marie Gisele Manga was the star of the final, scoring twice, while Naomi Eto added the other goal as Cameroon secured a historic victory.

Manga opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a close-range header before Eto doubled the advantage nine minutes later with a fine finish.

Manga then struck again in first-half stoppage time to give Cameroon a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.

Malawi, competing in their first WAFCON tournament, were unable to produce another upset after their remarkable run to the final. The Scorchers had eliminated Algeria in the semi-finals, while their campaign had been driven in large part by the attacking threat of sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga.

Cameroon, meanwhile, had reached the final after defeating hosts Morocco on penalties following a goalless draw in the semi-finals.

The triumph represents a landmark moment for Cameroonian women’s football. The Indomitable Lionesses had previously reached the WAFCON final three times — in 2004, 2014 and 2016 — but lost on each occasion.

Their victory also makes Cameroon only the fourth country to win the women’s African title, following Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.

Record prize money

CAF doubled the WAFCON winners’ prize money from $1 million to $2 million for the 2026 tournament, making it one of the biggest financial rewards in women’s national-team football.

The runners-up, Malawi, will receive $750,000, while CAF also increased the overall prize fund to $5.8 million. Each of the 16 participating teams was guaranteed $150,000.

For Cameroon, the $2 million prize caps a historic campaign and provides a significant financial reward alongside the trophy.

The Indomitable Lionesses and Malawi will also represent Africa at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, having secured their places through their performances in Morocco.

Cameroon’s historic triumph therefore delivers more than their first WAFCON crown: it marks the emergence of a new champion in African women’s football and a major milestone for the growth of the women’s game on the continent.

Cameroon is joined by Morocco, Algeria and Malawi who have secured automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.