Cameroon’s perfect run earns historic Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown

Cameroon have been crowned champions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time after beating Malawi 3-0 in the final at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

The Indomitable Lionesses completed a flawless campaign with six victories from six matches, sealing the country’s first continental title since the beginning of its involvement in the competition.

Head coach Valentine Nguele, who was appointed only two months before the tournament, said a clear playing approach, effective scouting and the players’ commitment to the coaching staff’s demands had laid the foundations for success.

“Practically two months ago, we put a playing project in place, carried out good scouting and the children accepted the work. We tried to come here and present something at the tournament,” Nguele said.

The coach also stressed the importance of taking the competition one match at a time. Cameroon approached each fixture with humility, while remaining conscious of the work that had been completed before the tournament began.

“We had to take it match by match and see how we would develop in this tournament, while above all remaining humble, knowing where we had come from, obviously,” she said.

That approach helped Cameroon maintain their focus throughout the campaign. Nguele believes the title was achieved through the unity of the squad and the determination of the players, who accepted the intensity of the preparation and refused to give up.

“I think it is the combination of all of that, meaning a very united group from the beginning. The children also agreed to suffer for two months without giving anything up. Every match was a tournament final,” she said.

The Indomitable Lionesses carried that mentality into the decisive match against Malawi. Their 3-0 victory in Rabat completed a perfect sequence of six wins and confirmed Cameroon as champions of Africa.

“They proved that they could finish with six matches, six finals, and that is it,” Nguele added.

For the coach, the achievement reflects the work carried out during the short preparation period, as well as the unity within the squad and the players’ ability to remain disciplined until the end.

Nguele’s appointment came just two months before the tournament, leaving limited time to establish her ideas. Rather than allowing that shortened preparation to become an obstacle, she focused on building a clear plan, identifying the right players and ensuring the squad accepted the demands placed on them.

Cameroon then applied that approach throughout the competition, advancing from one match to the next without losing its sense of humility. The result was an exceptional Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign: six games, six wins and a historic continental triumph sealed by a 3-0 victory over Malawi.