Tag: Indomitable lionesses

Cameroon Wins the Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the First Time in History

On By Dr. Y.In Great Moments, Great PeopleLeave a comment
Cameroon Indomitable Lionesses celebrate winning WAFCON 2026 (Source: CAFonline.com)

On Sunday, August 16, 2026, in Rabat, Morocco, Cameroon defeated Malawi 3–0 to become the new Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champion. It was a historic final that felt instantly unforgettable. Neither team had ever won the trophy before, and this made it only the third WAFCON final since 1998 where both sides were chasing their first continental crown. Cameroon had already reached the final in 2004, 2014, and 2016 but lost each time to Nigeria. Malawi, on the other hand, was living a dream. This was their first participation at WAFCON, and they climbed all the way to the final after eliminating teams such as Ghana and Algeria.

The Chawinga sisters Tabitha and Temwa (Source: CAFonline.com)

This expanded edition of WAFCON began three weeks ago with 16 teams instead of the previous 12, and it delivered excitement from the opening whistle. Malawi, led by the lethal Chawinga sisters Tabitha and Temwa, made a sensational debut. They started with a stunning 3–2 victory over defending champions Nigeria, followed by a confident 3–1 win over Egypt to finish top of Group C despite a narrow 2–1 loss to Zambia. Their momentum carried into the knockout rounds where they defeated Ghana 2–1 in the quarter-finals and produced another commanding performance to beat Algeria 3–1 in the semi-finals.

Marie Ngah Manga celebrating one of her goals (Source: CAFonline.com)

Cameroon’s journey was a story of discipline, resilience, and redemption. The Indomitable Lionesses went through the group stage unbeaten, then eliminated 10-time champions Nigeria in the quarter-finals. In the semi-finals, they knocked out host nation Morocco in a tense 3–1 penalty shootout thanks to an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Michaely Bihina who had a superb tournament from start to finish. Cameroon’s defense was rock solid and conceded only two goals throughout the entire competition. Their triumph becomes even more remarkable when you consider that they missed the 2024 edition of WAFCON and only advanced to these finals because of their world ranking after CAF expanded the tournament from 12 to 16 teams.

The final itself belonged entirely to Cameroon. Marie Ngah Manga scored twice and was named Best Player of the Final, and Naomi Ndjoah Eto added the third goal to seal the victory. With this title, Cameroon becomes the fourth nation to lift the WAFCON trophy, joining Nigeria’s Super Falcons, South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, and Equatorial Guinea. It was a spectacular ending to a spectacular tournament. Congratulations to the 2026 WAFCON. Both teams are already qualified for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

South Africa is this year’s Women African Cup of Nations Champion

On By Dr. Y.In Great MomentsLeave a comment

Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) logo

The 14th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) just ended with a win by the Banyana Banyana, South Africa’s national female team. The final was a showdown between the Banyana Banyana of South Africa and the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco in Rabat, Morocco’s capital. The Copper Queens of Zambia beat the Super Falcons of Nigeria to take home the bronze medal of the tournament.

South Africa wins championship (Source: pmnewsnigeria.com)

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations took place over 3 weeks in Morocco. During these 3 weeks, the best female teams on the continent competed for the top title of champion of Africa. Compared to the men’s tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations which has been in existence for almost 7 decades, the Women’s tournament is relatively young at 28 years of age, and also usually is not vividly followed. This year brought in record following with a full stadium at 50,000 occupancy for the final, which is an amazing feat for a Women’s competition on the continent. The most titled nation in WAFCON history is Nigeria with 11 titles, followed by Equatorial Guinea with 2 titles, and now South Africa with 1 title.

South Africa had been coming 2nd for 4 tournaments taking home the silver medal in 2000, 2008, 2012, and 2018, and this year it finally took home the gold medal. Striker Hildah Magaia scored twice to lead her country to victory 2-1 against Morocco.

The Atlas Lionesses (Source: football256.com)

There were top performances and goals from the different countries participating. Some players stood out including the Moroccan captain Ghizlane Chebbak, Nigeria Rasheedat Ajibade, and South African Hildah Magaia who have been the tournament’s top scorers. Cameroon’s Ajara Nchout and Nigeria’s Sumayah Komuntale also shined by their performances.

Congratulations to the champions the Banyana Banyana of South Africa, and to all the women who proudly represented their countries at the tournament and made us happy.

Cameroon in the Round of 16 at 2015 FIFA Women World Cup

On By Dr. Y.In Great MomentsLeave a comment

Les Lionnes of Cameroon (Getty Images)
Les Lionnes of Cameroon (Getty Images)

I was quite proud of the Cameroonian team who succeeded in going through the first round of the 2015 Women FIFA’s World Cup in Canada. This was Cameroon’s first World Cup participation. With no government support, barely any equipment, and little organization, they managed to do well with so little. Here is a quote by the Cameroonian coach Enow Ngachu, “The day we prepare and organize very well, I think an African nation will one day win the World Cup. … We just hope that with our performance many things will change in Cameroon and in Africa.”

Gaelle Enganamouit in action (Getty Images)
Gaelle Enganamouit in action (Getty Images)

On June 20th, China PR survived a tough examination from Cameroon with a lone early strike from Wang Shanshan, thus ending the Lionnes of Cameroon’s journey. Both teams played with high-tempo and intensity from the opening whistle in Edmonton with chances aplenty at either end, but it was the Chinese who remained resilient at the back to advance into the last-eight. We are very proud of these Cameroonian sisters who showed that African women, and women in general, can play very good, entertaining, and amazing football/soccer, and should be equally cared for by their governments and people.  My hat to Gaelle Enganamouit, Madeleine Ngono Mani, Christine Manie, Gabrielle Aboudi Onguene, and all the other sisters who made us proud. Indomitable Lioness Gaelle Enganamouit became the first African to score a hat-trick at the Women’s World Cup. Below is a highlight from the game Cameroon – Switzerland, which was quite intense and beautiful to watch. Enjoy!