Cameroon Make History: The Indomitable Lionesses Are Champions of Africa

After years of coming close, Cameroon have finally reached the summit of African women’s football.

The Indomitable Lionesses were crowned 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions after defeating Malawi 3–0 in the final in Rabat, Morocco — securing the continental title for the first time in their history.

For a nation that had previously reached three WAFCON finals without lifting the trophy, the victory carries particular significance. Cameroon arrived at this tournament with history behind them, but left Morocco having created a new chapter of their own.

A Final Controlled by Cameroon

Malawi entered the final as one of the stories of the tournament.

Making their WAFCON debut, the Scorchers produced a remarkable campaign built around an exciting attacking team that included sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga. Their journey to the final had already guaranteed that a new African champion would be crowned.

But Cameroon took control of the decisive match.

The Indomitable Lionesses established a commanding advantage during the first half and eventually completed a 3–0 victory, with Naomie Eto Ngah scoring twice as Cameroon turned their fourth appearance in a WAFCON final into their first championship.

The Hard Road to the Trophy

What makes Cameroon’s triumph particularly impressive is the route they travelled through the knockout stages.

In the quarter-finals they faced defending champions Nigeria — historically the dominant force in African women’s football and a familiar rival for Cameroon.

This time, Cameroon prevailed.

The victory did more than eliminate the defending champions. It also secured Cameroon’s qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, ensuring that the Indomitable Lionesses will take their continental success onto the global stage.

Their semi-final presented another major challenge: hosts Morocco.

After a goalless match, Cameroon held their nerve in the penalty shootout, winning 3–1 and silencing the home crowd to reach yet another continental final.

This time, there would be no runners-up medal.

Monique Ngock Leads a Historic Campaign

Among the standout figures of Cameroon’s tournament was midfielder Monique Ngock, whose performances earned her the Woman of the Competition award.

Cameroon’s strength, however, was also collective.

The Indomitable Lionesses completed the tournament unbeaten and built their success around one of the competition’s strongest defensive performances. Through the knockout rounds against Nigeria, Morocco and Malawi, Cameroon did not concede a single goal.

That resilience ultimately became one of the foundations of their championship.

A New Name on the WAFCON Trophy

Cameroon’s victory also represents something important for African women’s football.

Nigeria have dominated much of WAFCON’s history, while Equatorial Guinea and South Africa have also previously lifted the continental title. Cameroon now join that group.

For the players who had experienced previous disappointments, and for generations of Cameroonian footballers who came before them, the moment in Rabat carried the weight of a long wait finally ending.

But the story does not finish with the trophy.

Brazil 2027 now awaits.

Cameroon will arrive at the Women’s World Cup not simply as another African representative, but as the champions of Africa — carrying the confidence of a team that defeated the defending champions, overcame the host nation and delivered when the continental title was finally within reach.

For years, they were the Indomitable Lionesses chasing their first WAFCON crown.

Now, for the first time, Cameroon can call themselves champions of Africa.