Cameroon took control of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat by moving 2-0 ahead of Malawi in the first half, with Marie Ngah Manga heading in the opener after a rebound off the crossbar. It was a big moment in a final that carries major weight for both sides: Cameroon are chasing a first WAFCON title after three previous runner-up finishes, while Malawi are making their first-ever appearance in the tournament final.
Manga’s goal underlined her importance to Cameroon’s campaign. She came into the final having scored three penalties at WAFCON 2026, and this was her first goal from open play in the tournament. Her reaction at the decisive moment gave Cameroon the edge they were looking for in a match where pressure and history were always going to shape the contest.
Cameroon take the early initiative
The opening goal came midway through the first half, before Cameroon stretched the lead to 2-0 on the half-hour. That gave them a commanding position in a final where they have the clearer recent pedigree, but also the greater frustration to overcome. Three times before this tournament they had finished as runners-up, and this was another chance to finally go one step further.
For Malawi, the scale of the occasion is just as significant. Simply reaching the final in their first tournament appearance marks a major achievement, but the early deficit showed how difficult the step up becomes at this stage. Against a Cameroon side that has been through this kind of pressure before, Malawi had to respond quickly to keep the final alive.
Marie Ngah Manga delivers again
Manga’s goal was especially notable because it came from a different route to the penalties that had carried her through earlier in the tournament. With three spot-kicks already to her name, she had shown reliability in front of goal, but this was the kind of finish that can define a final. A rebound off the crossbar, followed by a header, was enough to give Cameroon the breakthrough they wanted.
At the half-hour mark, the scoreboard told the story clearly: Cameroon 2-0 Malawi. The first half belonged to Cameroon, but the final still had plenty of time left for Malawi to find a way back into a contest that already had history attached to it.
What comes next is simple enough. Cameroon will look to protect a lead that could take them towards a first WAFCON crown, while Malawi must find a response if their remarkable run is to end with one more surprise.
