Cameroon win first-ever Wafcon title with 3-0 victory over Malawi

Cameroon's women's national team won their first Women's Africa Cup of Nations title after beating Malawi 3-0 in the final, held at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Morocco. The victory ends a run of three previous final defeats, in 2004, 2014 and 2016, all against Nigeria.

The opening stages were tense, with Malawi repeatedly trying to feed the ball early to forward Temwa Chawinga, a tactic that had worked well in their semi-final win over Algeria. Cameroon broke the deadlock after goalkeeper Sikelo misjudged a cross, allowing Grace Mendoua's header to strike the crossbar, with Ngah Manga on hand to convert the rebound from close range.

Cameroon doubled their lead when Malawi failed to clear a corner, and Eto fired a first-time effort into the bottom corner. The third goal came after Sikelo left her line attempting to intercept a through ball; Eto reached it first, went to the byline and crossed for Ngah Manga to head into an empty net.

Cameroon coach Valentine Nguele, who only took charge in June, has built a well-organised team that beat Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-finals and defeated hosts Morocco on penalties in the semi-finals. Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina was a standout in both matches, making nine saves against Nigeria and saving an extra-time penalty plus three more spot-kicks in the shootout against Morocco.

Bihina had little to do in the final as Malawi's attacking threat diminished. Cameroon had further chances late on, and a stoppage-time goal from substitute Gabrielle Onguene was ruled out for offside; she was also booked for removing her shirt in celebration.

Cameroon football federation president Samuel Eto'o celebrated enthusiastically from the stands throughout the match, and the team's staff and substitutes rushed onto the pitch at full-time to mark the historic win. Both finalists, along with Morocco and debutants Algeria, will now prepare for next year's Women's World Cup in Brazil.