Cameroon lifted the Women's Africa Cup of Nations trophy for the first time after a commanding 3-0 victory over Malawi in the final at the Moulay Hassan Stadium, ending a wait that included three previous runner-up finishes in 2004, 2014 and 2016 — all against Nigeria.
The early stages of the match were tense, with Malawi repeatedly looking to spring Temwa Chawinga in behind the Cameroon defense, a plan that had paid off in their semi-final upset over Algeria. But it was Cameroon who broke the deadlock when goalkeeper Sikelo failed to deal properly with a cross from Eto, and Grace Mendoua's header back into the box cannoned off the crossbar. Ngah Manga reacted quickest to the loose ball, tapping home from close range to give the Indomitable Lionesses the lead.
Cameroon, ranked a remarkable 82 places above their opponents in the world rankings, grew in confidence from there. Their second goal arrived after Malawi failed to clear a corner, allowing Eto to pivot inside the box and fire a first-time strike into the bottom corner. The result was put beyond doubt when Sikelo came off her line attempting to intercept a through ball from Genevieve Ngo Mbeleck, only for Eto to get there first, race to the byline and square the ball for Ngah Manga to head into an unguarded net.
Malawi's resistance crumbled after the third goal, though they nearly limited further damage as Sikelo produced a smart save to deny another Eto effort from a tight angle, while Mendoua headed a late corner wide of the target. Substitute Gabrielle Onguene, 37, thought she had added a fourth in stoppage time but was ruled offside and booked after removing her shirt in celebration.
Cameroon's run to the title was built on a well-organized structure under coach Valentine Nguele, who only took charge of the side in June. Nguele's team stunned Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-finals before edging hosts Morocco on penalties in a dramatic semi-final. Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina, 22, was instrumental in both of those victories, making nine saves against the Super Falcons and then saving an extra-time penalty plus three more spot-kicks in the shootout against the Atlas Lionesses. She was barely tested in the final as Malawi's attacking threat faded.
Samuel Eto'o, president of the Cameroon football federation, was seen celebrating enthusiastically from the stands throughout the match, and the Cameroon bench and staff stormed onto the pitch at the final whistle to mark the historic achievement.
According to BBC World Service reporter Maz Farookhi, this year's tournament had been billed beforehand as potentially