Cameroon finally banished heartache years after triumphing by dispatching Malawi 3-0 to secure their maiden Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title following a dominant performance in the Morocco final.
Previous final losses in 2004, 2014 and 2016 failed to stop Indomitable Lionesses from making history through an efficient first-half showing. Malawi, who started the game promisingly with forward Temwa Chawinga looking a threat on the left as she forced an early save from Cameroonian custodian Michaely Bihina, soon faltered as their opponents took command.
Marie Ngah Manga got the ball rolling when she poked in the rebound from Grace Mendoua’s header, which deflected off the woodwork following Mercy Sikelo’s save.
It wasn’t long before Naomi Eto doubled the lead with an acrobatic finish at the near post after a Malawi corner was poorly dealt with. Cameroonian domination soon got their third just before the break, with Eto going past Sikelo before setting up Ngah Manga, who headed home from the cross to complete the rout with her second of the night.
The southeastern Africans attempted to rally in the second half as Chawinga struck the woodwork, but the Cameroonian defence remained resolute throughout. Ngah Manga was denied her hat-trick while Bihina was equal to the few opportunities Malawi generated.
For Cameroon, this was their pinnacle after beating the highly-fancied sides Nigeria and hosts Morocco to reach the final.
The final provided the Malawi outfit with a moment that is unprecedented, while the victory handed Cameroon a much-cherished continental title.
