Janine van Wyk praises Cameroon’s historic 3-0 WAFCON 2025 triumph

Cameroon secured their maiden WAFCON title by beating tournament debutants Malawi 3-0 in the final in Rabat, a landmark result praised by Janine van Wyk. Both finalists also earned automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Van Wyk described Cameroon’s breakthrough as a major moment for women’s football in the country. She also viewed the result as evidence that more African teams now believe they can challenge the continent’s established powers.

The final pairing was significant because neither Cameroon nor Malawi had been widely expected to reach the decisive match. Their progress showed how the competitive gap is narrowing, while tactical standards continue to improve across African women’s football.

Cameroon’s wider record in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations places them second with seven points from three matches. They have two wins, one draw and no defeats in that competition, with four goals scored and two conceded.

Their recent results include a 2-0 victory away to China, a 1-0 defeat in Australia and a 2-0 loss against Morocco. Cameroon then beat South Africa 2-1 away before recording another 2-1 win at Mozambique.

Van Wyk also highlighted the changing pathways available to players from the two finalists. Many now compete in France’s top division or play college football in the United States, while improved representation and access to agents are helping them build stronger international profiles. Cameroon’s title, she argued, gives other African nations a clear example that winning the WAFCON is attainable.