Cameroon Wins First Women's Africa Cup After 10-Year Wait

After years of heartbreak and near misses, Cameroon's women's national soccer team has finally captured their first Women's Africa Cup of Nations title.

The Indomitable Lionesses dominated Malawi 3-0 in the 2026 final in Rabat, Morocco, ending a decade-long quest for continental glory. All three goals came in an explosive first half that put the match out of reach before halftime.

Marie Ngah Manga opened the scoring before Naomi Eto added a stunning swiveling finish to double the lead. Ngah Manga struck again to complete her brace and give Cameroon a commanding 3-0 advantage at the break.

The victory is especially sweet for Cameroon, who had finished as runners-up three times before. Their most recent final appearance came in 2016, when they fell 1-0 to Nigeria in a painful defeat.

One player bridged both moments in history. Gabrielle Onguene, now 37, was part of that heartbreaking 2016 final and came off the bench in stoppage time in Rabat for her eighth Women's Africa Cup of Nations appearance.

Why This Inspires

This victory represents more than just a trophy. It's a testament to persistence when success seems just out of reach.

For ten years, Cameroon kept building, kept believing, and kept showing up. Players like Onguene dedicated nearly a decade to chasing this dream, never letting previous disappointments define their future.

The triumph also marks a milestone for Malawi, who reached their first-ever WAFCON final. While they came up short, their journey to the championship match signals the growing strength and depth of women's soccer across Africa.

Cameroon's name now joins the elite list of African women's football champions, a title earned through years of dedication and unwavering belief.