Cameroun claim maiden WAFCON title after 3-0 win over Malawi

Cameroun are Women's Africa Cup of Nations champions for the first time after beating Malawi 3-0 in the final at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium. Ngah Manga scored twice and Naomi Eto added the other goal as all three strikes came before half-time.

The victory ended Cameroun's wait for the trophy after defeats in the 2004, 2014 and 2016 finals. Their performance in the decider was their strongest of the tournament, with the Lionesses taking control after the opening stages and preventing Malawi from building a sustained response.

Manga opened the scoring in the 20th minute before Eto doubled the advantage nine minutes later. Manga then struck again just before the interval to give Cameroun a commanding lead. A late effort from the forward that would have completed her hat-trick was ruled out.

Malawi had entered the final after defeating Nigeria and Ghana during their campaign. Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga had also carried much of the Scorchers' attacking threat, scoring eight of Malawi's 11 goals between the group stage and semi-finals. They could not find a way past Cameroun goalkeeper Michaely Bihina in the final.

Bihina made important interventions when Malawi threatened early and remained difficult to beat after the break. The Chawinga sisters continued to search for openings, but Cameroun kept them under control. Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo was also punished for errors and hesitant anticipation on each of the three goals.

The title completed a six-match campaign in which Cameroun recorded five wins and one draw. They beat Mali 2-1 and Ghana 1-0 in the group stage, drew 1-1 with Cabo Verde, defeated Nigeria 1-0, and advanced past Morocco 3-1 on penalties before finishing the tournament with victory over Malawi. Samuel Eto'o Fils joined the players during the celebrations after the presentation.