Cameroon pocket $2m for beating Malawi to win first WAFCON trophy
Cameroon have secured a $2m prize after beating Malawi 3-0 to win their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco.
The Indomitable Lionesses produced a dominant display in Sunday’s final in Rabat, with Marie Ngah Manga scoring twice and Naomi Eto adding another goal to seal a historic victory.
The triumph ended Cameroon’s long wait for continental glory after three previous defeats in WAFCON finals. They had previously finished runners-up on three occasions, all against Nigeria.
Cameroon’s victory also made them only the fourth nation to win the women’s continental championship, joining Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.
The financial reward adds further significance to the historic achievement. The Confederation of African Football doubled the WAFCON winners’ prize money to $2m for the 2026 tournament, while the overall prize fund was increased to $5.8m.
Cameroon’s success came after a difficult route to the final. They eliminated defending champions Nigeria in the quarter-finals before defeating hosts Morocco in the semi-finals to reach the championship match.
Malawi, meanwhile, were appearing in their first WAFCON tournament and completed a remarkable run by reaching the final. The Scorchers had already secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup by reaching the semi-finals.
For Cameroon, however, the night belonged entirely to the Indomitable Lionesses. Their 3-0 victory not only delivered a first WAFCON crown but also earned the team one of the biggest prize cheques in women’s international football.
The champions will now leave Morocco with the trophy and $2m, while also securing their place among Africa’s elite women’s football nations.