By Sports Reporter

RABAT, Morocco — Malawi’s remarkable run at the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations ended in heartbreak on Sunday night as the Scorchers suffered a 3-0 defeat to Cameroon in the final at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

The result saw Cameroon lift the WAFCON trophy for the first time in their history, while Malawi finished as continental runners-up after a historic campaign that saw the Scorchers reach their first-ever final. CAF confirmed before the final that the two finalists were contesting the title at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium.

Cameroon 3-0 Malawi

Cameroon took control of the final in the first half, with Marie Gisele Ngah Manga proving decisive by scoring twice.

Manga opened the scoring in the 20th minute before Naomi Eto doubled Cameroon’s advantage nine minutes later.

The Indomitable Lionesses then struck again deep into first-half stoppage time, with Manga completing her brace to send Cameroon into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.

Despite Malawi’s efforts to fight their way back into the contest after the interval, the deficit proved too difficult to overcome.

The Scorchers could not find a response as Cameroon maintained their advantage through the second half to secure a historic victory.

For Cameroon, the triumph ended years of disappointment at the tournament. The Indomitable Lionesses had previously reached three WAFCON finals without winning the title, but finally conquered Africa in Rabat.

Historic campaign for Malawi

Although the final ended in disappointment, Malawi’s achievement in reaching the final represents one of the biggest milestones in the history of the Scorchers.

The Malawians entered the tournament as debutants but defied expectations throughout the competition, progressing deep into the knockout stages and eventually reaching the final.

Their semifinal victory over Algeria secured Malawi a place in the final and also guaranteed qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, giving the country another historic achievement to celebrate.

The Scorchers therefore leave Morocco with continental silverware, a World Cup place and a campaign that has significantly raised the profile of women’s football in Malawi.

$750,000 reward for Scorchers

Malawi are also set to receive $750,000 for finishing as runners-up, according to the prize structure cited around the tournament.

That is approximately K1.3 billion, providing a substantial financial reward for the team’s historic achievement.

Cameroon, meanwhile, will take home the $2 million champions’ prize alongside the WAFCON trophy.

A painful ending to a fairytale

For Malawi, the final was a painful conclusion to what had otherwise been a breakthrough tournament.

The Scorchers had captured the imagination of Malawians with their fearless performances and historic progress, reaching territory the team had never reached before.

But Cameroon’s experience and ruthless finishing ultimately proved decisive.

The Indomitable Lionesses struck three times before half-time and effectively settled the contest during a devastating 25-minute spell.

Malawi will now return home as Africa’s second-best women’s national team — a position that would have seemed improbable before the tournament began.

The defeat may hurt, but the Scorchers have nevertheless created a new chapter in Malawi football history.

Cameroon are champions. Malawi are runners-up. But the Scorchers leave Morocco as history-makers.

FINAL RESULT:
🇨🇲 Cameroon 3-0 Malawi 🇲🇼

WAFCON 2026 Champions: Cameroon
Runners-up: Malawi
Cameroon prize: $2 million
Malawi prize: $750,000
Malawi achievement: First-ever WAFCON final and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Match result and scoring details cross-checked against CAF and match reports.