Kinshasa, August 17th,2026 (CPA).- Cameroon were crowned champions at the expense of Malawi, whom they defeated 3-0 on Sunday at the Prince Moulay Stadium in Rabat, Morocco – the host nation – in the final of the 2026 African Women’s Nations Cup. Although Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses thoroughly deserved their crown, nothing on the face of it could have foreshadowed such a resounding and, above all, flawless victory over Malawi’s Scorchers, who suffered a crushing defeat. Mission accomplished by the end of the first half. In any case, the Cameroonians’ three goals came courtesy of a brace from Marie Gisèle Ine (20th, and 45+3.20 minutes) and a goal from Naomie Ndjoah Eto (30th minute).
Leading 3–0 at the end of the first half, the Indomitable Lionesses had the Malawi Scorchers completely under control, having accomplished their mission. Indeed, the Cameroonian side were the beneficiaries of a stroke of good fortune. Indeed, having not qualified for the tournament in Morocco, they were brought in to make up the number of participants to 16.
And here they were, outperforming the countries that had qualified in the proper manner – including, incidentally, Malawi – with a blistering attack led by sisters Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga, who, like the rest of the team, proved to be as silent as a damp squib. The second half was a mere formality for both sides. Cameroon managed their lead well, whilst Malawi – as helpless as ever in this competition – were unable to turn the tide.
The Cameroonian ‘Queens’ succeed the Nigerian Falcons. Unbeknown to them, by knocking out the defending champions, Nigeria, 1–0 in the quarter-finals on 9 August, Cameroon had in fact witnessed a handover of power from the Nigerians, who relinquished their title as reigning champions to the Cameroonians, the new continental ‘Queens’. The two finalists – Cameroon (champions) and Malawi (runners-up) – have thus qualified for the Women’s World Cup to be held in Brazil in 2027. The same applies to South Africa and Ghana, who were knocked out in the semi-finals and will now go through the play-offs in the hope of qualifying.