2026 Women’s AFCON: Cameroon Triumphs!

T he rejected stone has effec­ tively become the cornerstone. The Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon are the champions of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Eliminated during the qualifiers but given a second chance to participate following the expan­ sion of the WAFCON, Cameroon is now celebrating with the trophy. The Lionesses emerged winners af­ ter beating Malawi 3-0 in the final of the competition at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat yesterday, August 16, 2026. This is historic because it is the first time the nation is lifting the continental tro­ phy after previously falling to Nigeria in their last three finals (2004, 2014 and 2016). The victory is a trium­ phant comeback to the African stage after missing the competition in 2024. Prime Minister, Joseph Dion Ngute, on instructions of the Head of State, was also present in Rabat, to cheer the team to victory in yesterday’s final. Three first-half goals from Ngah Manga (a double) and Naomi Eto helped Cameroon to lift the tro­ phy. Ngah Manga’s brace moved her to five goals, equalling Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga, who unfortuna­ tely did not find the back of the net in yesterday’s encounter. Coach Valentine Nguele of Cameroon trusted the same starting 11 against Morocco, that once more lived up to expectations. Cameroon began the game composed, stifling the at­ tacks of the Chawinga sisters and finding their feet up front. The mid­ field worked accordingly, supplying the necessary passes with expe­ rienced Ngo Mbeleck setting the tempo. Then, at the 20th minute, a goal mouth tussle in the penalty box found Marie Gisèle’s Ngah Manga’s head and she carefully slot­ ted it in. At the 30th minute, Naomi Eto crossed from a turnover...