CAF president Patrice Motsepe congratulates Cameroon after historic WAFCON triumph

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Dr Patrice Motsepe has congratulated Cameroon after the Indomitable Lionesses secured their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title with a commanding victory over Malawi.

Cameroon defeated the Scorchers 3-0 in Sunday’s final at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, bringing a historic end to the 2026 tournament and further underlining the rapid growth of women’s football on the continent.

The triumph marks a landmark moment for Cameroon, who had previously come close to winning the competition but had never lifted the trophy. Their emphatic performance against Malawi finally delivered continental glory and capped an impressive campaign.

Motsepe praised the Indomitable Lionesses, the Fédération Camerounaise de Football (FECAFOOT), its president Samuel Eto’o and the people of Cameroon for their achievement.

In a message to Eto’o, the CAF president said: “Congratulations on the historic and exciting victory of the Indomitable Lionesses and for becoming Champions of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (“WAFCON”) Morocco 2026.”

He also credited Eto’o’s leadership for playing a key role in Cameroon’s success, while expressing confidence that the champions can make an impact at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

“Your excellent leadership and motivation of the Indomitable Lionesses contributed significantly to their victory and success. I wish you and Indomitable Lionesses everything of the best for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027. I am confident that you and the Indomitable Lionesses will make the people of Cameroon and Africa proud.”

$2m reward highlights CAF investment

Beyond the historic achievement, Cameroon’s triumph also came with a significantly increased financial reward, with the champions receiving USD 2 million in prize money.

The figure represents a dramatic increase in the financial value attached to the women’s continental showpiece under Motsepe’s leadership.

CAF said the WAFCON winner’s prize money has risen by more than 900 percent compared with 2018, when the champions received USD 200,000.

The substantial increase reflects CAF’s stated commitment to strengthening women’s football and providing greater financial incentives for national teams competing at the highest level on the continent.

Motsepe salutes Malawi

While celebrating Cameroon’s success, Motsepe also paid tribute to Malawi for reaching their first WAFCON final and securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Scorchers produced one of the tournament’s standout stories, battling their way to the final before ultimately falling short against Cameroon.

Motsepe praised the team’s performances and described their campaign as outstanding in a separate message to the Football Association of Malawi (FAM).

“Congratulations on the outstanding performances of The Scorchers at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 and for qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.”

Cameroon and Malawi will now turn their attention to the global stage, with both nations preparing to represent Africa at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.