Cameroon crush Malawi 3-0 to win first-ever WAFCON champions

Cameroon have finally conquered Africa, lifting their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title after sweeping aside Malawi 3-0 in a dominant final in Rabat on Sunday.

The Indomitable Lionesses settled the contest in a devastating first-half performance, with Marie Ngah Manga scoring twice and Naomi Eto producing a spectacular scissors kick to put Cameroon firmly in control before the break.

The victory also completed a remarkable knockout-stage run for Cameroon, who eliminated defending finalists Nigeria and hosts Morocco on their way to the final.

For Malawi, the defeat brought an end to a remarkable Cinderella campaign. Ranked 153rd in the world when the tournament began, the debutants nevertheless reached the final and exceeded virtually every expectation.

Cameroon strike first

Malawi began brightly, with tournament top scorer Temwa Chawinga threatening early on, but Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina stood firm.

Bihina, who had already been named Player of the Match against both Nigeria and Morocco, produced an important early save at Chawinga's feet. She also denied Chikondi Gondwe in the 14th minute.

But Cameroon gradually took command.

The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute after Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo failed to deal convincingly with Grace Mendoua's cross.

Sikelo could only push the ball onto her own crossbar, allowing Ngah Manga to react quickest and head Cameroon into the lead from close range.

Eto produces a moment of magic

Malawi struggled to recover and their defensive problems deepened as Cameroon continued to attack.

Shortly before the half-hour mark, Sikelo was again forced into an uncomfortable save, tipping Eto's effort over the bar.

From the resulting corner, however, Cameroon made the pressure count.

Malawi failed to clear Achta Toko Njoya's teasing delivery and Eto executed an imaginative scissors kick, sending the ball beyond Sikelo to make it 2-0.

The goal sent Cameroon's supporters into celebration and left Malawi increasingly disorganised.

Ngah Manga strikes again before the break

Cameroon appeared certain to take a two-goal advantage into half-time, but Malawi's goalkeeper endured another nightmare moments before the interval.

Three minutes into stoppage time, Sikelo rushed from her goal to confront Eto but badly misjudged the situation. The Cameroon attacker rounded her with ease before calmly crossing for Ngah Manga.

The forward made no mistake, completing her brace and sending Cameroon into the dressing room 3-0 ahead.

The Lionesses' players appeared so confident that they formed an impromptu guard of honour for themselves as they walked off at half-time.

Malawi fight, but Cameroon remain in control

Malawi attempted to respond immediately after the restart, with Tabitha Chawinga sending an effort narrowly wide.

Cameroon then missed an extraordinary opportunity to add a fourth.

Ngah Manga held off Benadetta Mkandawire, rounded Sikelo and found herself with an empty net, only to send her effort into the side-netting.

A subsequent VAR check for a possible penalty produced no further punishment for Malawi.

As the second half progressed, Cameroon became increasingly comfortable and concentrated on controlling the game rather than relentlessly pursuing more goals.

There was still a glimpse of the Chawinga sisters' devastating partnership when Tabitha and Temwa combined, but Temwa fired wide.

Veteran Onguene denied a fairytale ending

The final moments produced one last dramatic episode.

Veteran Gabrielle Onguene, who had been part of the Cameroon team beaten by Nigeria in the 2016 final, entered in the 91st minute for Ngah Manga.

The 37-year-old immediately found space behind the tiring Malawi defence, raced through on goal and finished past Sikelo.

It appeared to be the perfect final flourish.

But VAR intervened.

The goal was ruled out for offside, denying Onguene what would have been a memorable conclusion to the final.

It mattered little.

Cameroon had already done enough.

Three goals, a commanding performance and a historic first WAFCON crown — the Indomitable Lionesses are finally champions of Africa.