Cameroon seal historic Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title after stunning revival

Cameroon completed an extraordinary journey from failing to qualify for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to winning the competition for the first time, defeating Malawi 3-0 in the final after a tournament built on defensive resilience and youthful energy.

The Indomitable Lionesses were originally eliminated in the second qualifying round, losing 3-1 on aggregate to Algeria. However, the tournament was expanded from 12 to 16 teams in November 2025, with the four highest-ranked teams in the FIFA world rankings that had failed to qualify being invited to take part. Cameroon were among those sides – and went on to become continental champions.

The team changed manager after their initial qualification failure, appointing Valentine Nguele as the first woman to lead Cameroon’s national side. She placed her faith in youth, naming eight players aged 23 or under in the final.

Nguele’s team relied on a disciplined defensive structure, with new Washington Spirit signing Monique Ngock influential in midfield. Ngock was later named player of the tournament.

Cameroon topped Group D without defeat and were the only side not to concede during the knockout stages. They overcame pre-tournament favourites Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-finals, then defeated hosts Morocco on penalties after a goalless semi-final.

The final offered two contrasting routes to success. Cameroon’s collective approach was based on defensive organisation and disciplined teamwork, while Malawi looked to their outstanding attacking pair, Temwa Chawinga and her sister Tabitha Chawinga, both regarded among the finest forwards in world football.

That defensive strategy prevailed with surprising ease. Marie Ngah put Cameroon ahead in the 20th minute, allowing her side to retreat into a compact shape and threaten on the counter-attack. Naomi Eto doubled the lead with an acrobatic finish nine minutes later, before Ngah struck again just before half-time following a superb breakaway.

The result gave Cameroon their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title and completed one of the most remarkable stories in the competition’s history.

Malawi’s remarkable run

Malawi, the lowest-ranked team entering the finals, announced their potential immediately by beating Nigeria 3-2. They went on to finish top of Group C, while Nigeria narrowly edged out Zambia, led by Barbra Banda, for second place on a dramatic final day.

Few expected Malawi to progress beyond the group stage, let alone reach the final and qualify for the following year’s World Cup. Their run reflected the effectiveness of manager Lovemore Fazili’s approach.

The Malawians played entertaining, attacking football. Temwa Chawinga operated as the focal point of the attack, with Tabitha on the left wing. In midfield, Faith Chinzimu and Rose Kadzere won second balls and consistently supplied the forwards.

Although Malawi sometimes struggled to keep clean sheets, their counter-attacks were exceptionally quick and effective, allowing them to put opponents under sustained pressure.

Temwa Chawinga was named the tournament’s best player. She combined impressive technique and passing with the explosive speed and movement familiar to supporters of Kansas City Current. She scored five goals, including a brace against Nigeria in the group stage, and appeared almost impossible to contain when at her best.

Nigeria disappoint as Morocco fall short

Nigeria were the major disappointment of the tournament. Their squad included Asisat Oshoala, formerly of Bayer and Barcelona and now at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia; Rasheedat Ajibade and Jennifer Echegini of Paris Saint-Germain; Gift Monday and Deborah Abiodun of Washington Spirit; Chicago Stars forward Michelle Alozie; AS Roma centre-back Shukurat Oladipo; and Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

On paper, Nigeria had the strongest squad at the finals, but their collection of individual talent did not develop into a cohesive team. Their quarter-final exit was the Super Falcons’ worst result in an international competition.

Morocco began strongly, winning Group A ahead of Algeria, Senegal and Kenya without conceding. They eliminated South Africa in the quarter-finals but lost to Cameroon in the last four.

Despite playing attractive football, Morocco’s failure to win one of the past three editions of the tournament on home soil will be viewed as a major disappointment. Further questions are likely to be asked of manager Jorge Vilda, particularly because the hosts did not even reach the final this time.

Algeria finished third after beating Morocco on penalties following their semi-final defeat by Malawi. Cote d’Ivoire topped Group B ahead of South Africa, Burkina Faso and Tanzania, scoring eight goals and establishing themselves as one of the tournament’s most entertaining teams.

The Ivorians were dangerous on the counter-attack, with Rosemonde Kouassi of Washington among their key threats. They were eliminated 2-1 by Algeria in the quarter-finals after the unfortunate dismissal of their influential playmaker N’Sira Safi Ouedraogo.

Egypt endured the most difficult group draw. Facing some of the world’s leading forwards, they conceded 15 goals and finished bottom without a point.

Ghana, managed by former Racing Louisville coach Kim Bjorkegren, finished second in Group D behind Cameroon. They reached the knockout stages after beating Cape Verde and drawing with Mali, but Malawi eliminated them in the quarter-finals.

Cameroon had beaten Ghana and Mali before rotating their squad in a draw with Cape Verde. Their subsequent victories over Nigeria and Morocco set up the final against Malawi.

Cameroon’s young stars

Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina was instrumental in the semi-final victory over Morocco and produced an outstanding tournament. The 22-year-old made crucial penalty saves, displayed remarkable composure under pressure and made several decisive interventions off her line.

Nineteen-year-old centre-back Maeva Nyadjou was imposing and alert, while 20-year-old right-back Yvana Makana combined strong one-on-one defending with a constant willingness to support attacks.

Ngock, 21, controlled the midfield with her tackling, defensive anticipation and calmness in possession. She was supported by fellow 21-year-old Achta Toko Njoya, whose relentless work was valuable in both penalty areas.

Up front, 23-year-old Marie Ngah provided outstanding movement as well as the goals that decided the final. Grace Mendoua, 21, offered technique, power and energy from the left, while Naomi Eto, also 21, supplied talent, dynamism and strength on the opposite flank.

Cameroon’s emergence from unlikely qualifiers to champions suggests this is a team to watch closely – and one that could surprise at the next World Cup.

Team of the tournament

Goalkeeper: Michaely Bihina (Cameroon) Right-back: Yvana Makana (Cameroon) Centre-back: Maeva Nyadjou (Cameroon) Centre-back: Maryame Atiq (Morocco) Left-back: Ines Belloumou (Algeria) Midfielder: Monique Ngock (Cameroon) Midfielder: Marine Dafeur (Algeria) Right wing: Sakina Ouzraoui (Morocco) Forward: Temwa Chawinga (Malawi) Forward: Marie Ngah (Cameroon) Left wing: Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi)