How CAF's last-minute gesture opened an unlikely path for Cameroon to win 2026 Wafcon

Cameroon’s triumph at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) is one of the most remarkable stories of the tournament.

The Indomitable Lionesses were not even meant to be in Morocco following their elimination by Algeria in the final round of the qualifiers, losing 3-1 on aggregate. But CAF expanded the tournament from 12 to 16 teams, handing Cameroon a lifeline. The Indomitable Lionesses were among four best ranked teams that had failed to get past the final round of qualifiers, along with Egypt, Mali and Côte d’Ivoire. The four were given places in the 2026 Wafcon based on their superior Fifa ranking.

And Cameroon made the most of that opportunity, going all the way to lift their first-ever title on Sunday night in Morocco. The victory ended Cameroon’s wait for the title after three previous failed attempts in 2004, 2014 and 2016. On those occasions, the Lionesses were eliminated by 10-time champions Nigeria, the same team they eliminated in the quarter-finals of this year’s tournament.

Sunday’s victory also marked a historic achievement for coach Valentine Nguele, who has become only the fifth female coach to lead a team to the title. Nguele joins an elite list that includes Clementine Toure, who guided Equatorial Guinea to the title in 2008, Eucharia Uche with Nigeria in 2010; Florence Omagbemi, who led Nigeria to victory in 2016; and Desiree Ellis, who guided South Africa to the title in 2022.

The 2026 Wafcon featured five female head coaches among the 16 participating teams, representing 25 per cent of the coaches.

Only five of the 16 teams at the tournament were handled by female coaches. Desiree Ellis brought South Africa to the tournament, Nora Häuptle came with Ghana, Beldine Odemba coached Kenya, Silvéria Nédio handled Cape Verde, and Nguele came with Cameroon.

Cameroon’s triumph therefore not only delivered their first Wafcon title but also provided a powerful reminder of what can happen when a team makes the most of a second chance.

Cameroon beat debutants Malawi 3-0 on Sunday night at Moulay Al Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, to lift their first-ever African title.

Forward Marie Ngah opened the scoring in the 20th minute, heading home after Naomi Eto’s effort had struck the post. Eto doubled Cameroon’s lead in the 29th minute, finishing from Achta Toko’s corner. Ngah scored the third goal for Cameroon and her second of the match in first-half stoppage time, heading home another cross from Eto.

The match was played before a sparse crowd, with most stadiums at the tournament witnessing low attendance except when hosts Morocco were involved.

Malawi, coached by Lovermore Fazili, started brightly, with forward Tabitha Chawinga forcing Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina into an early save, while her sister Temwa Chawinga also tested the defence from the right wing.

Cameroon, however, grew into the game and took the lead in the 20th minute. Marie Ngah headed home after Malawi failed to clear a cross from Naomi Eto, with the ball falling to Marie Gisele after the initial effort struck the post.

Eto was again involved in the second goal in the 29th minute. After making a dangerous run down the wing, her cross was cleared for a corner. Achta Toko delivered the corner, and Eto finished to give Cameroon a 2-0 lead. N

Malawi, who were without suspended midfielder Rose Kadzere, struggled to contain Cameroon’s attacks, with goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo repeatedly called into action.

Cameroon added a third goal in first-half stoppage time when Ngah headed home another cross from Eto, leaving the Indomitable Lionesses in firm control at the break, and she was awarded the woman of the match.

Malawi tried to respond after the restart, with Tabitha coming close in the 61st minute. Her effort was blocked by Cameroon shotsopper Michaely Bihina, but the rebound fell to Temwa, who fired just wide.

Despite Malawi’s attacking threat, particularly from the Chawinga sisters, Cameroon’s defence remained organised to secure the much-needed win.

Nguele attributed the team’s success to hard work, perseverance, patience and years of experience after guiding the Indomitable Lionesses to glory.

Nguele, a former Cameroon international, said she spent 16 years building her coaching career after retiring from playing.

“Hard work, perseverance, passion and, above all, patience have been key. Overcoming challenges was not easy, but I kept going,” Nguele said after the match.

The coach dismissed claims that her success was down to luck, pointing to her impressive record in Cameroonian football, where she has won the national championship 10 times and the Cameroon Cup seven times.

“Those who don’t know me may think it was luck, but no. I am a hard worker. Every time I competed, I brought home a medal. All I ask is that you work hard, get proper training, be patient and wait for the right moment. I waited for my moment, and the Lord blessed me,” she said.

Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili said his team had exceeded expectations despite losing to Cameroon, having made their debut and also qualifying for the 2027 Fifa Women's World Cup in Brazil alongside Cameroon, Algeria and Morocco.

Fazili praised his players for reaching the final, saying the tournament had given them valuable experience after facing some of Africa’s top teams.

“I am happy with the girls because they delivered. Getting to this point is a big achievement. We faced good teams and tougher opponents compared to previous tournaments, and I am sure the players have gained a lot from the experience,” Fazili said.

He added that the impressive run could open doors for some of his players while helping Malawi establish a culture of regularly competing at the continental level.

“Some players will get opportunities after this. We want to make it a habit of participating. We have gained a lot as a team, and this will help us go.”

The final attracted several high-profile dignitaries, including Fifa President Gianni Infantino, Caf President Patrice Motsepe, Cameroon Football Federation President Samuel Eto’o and former Chelsea player Samuel Eto’o.

Wafcon prize money

This year’s Wafcon had a total prize fund of 5.8 million dollars (Sh750.4m), making it the richest edition in the tournament’s history. Caf confirmed the increase from 3.475 m dollars (Sh 449.18 m) to 5.8 m dollars.

Champions Cameroon pocketed 2m dollars (Sh 260 m), while runners-up Malawi received 750,000 dollars (Sh 97m). Third-placed Algeria earned 500,000 dollars (Sh64.6 million).

Each of the 16 participating teams received 150,000 dollars (Sh19.4 m) in participation funding, up from 125,000 dollars (Sh16.1 m) in the previous edition, representing a 20 per cent increase.

Individual awards

Algeria won the Fair Play Team of the Tournament award for finishing third.

Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina, 22, claimed the Golden Glove after keeping four clean sheets in six matches, while midfielder Monique Ngock was named Player of the Competition, giving the champions two major individual awards. Malawi attacker Temwa Chawinga finished as the top scorer of the tournament with five goals in six matches.

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