A breathtaking opening 45 minutes at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium has placed Cameroon on the brink of ultimate continental glory, taking a commanding 3-0 lead over tournament debutantes Malawi into the halftime break of the WAFCON 2026 Final.
In a frantic match where both nations are hunting their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy, the Indomitable Lionesses imposed their physical presence and tactical discipline right from the opening whistle.
Cameroon broke the deadlock after relentless pressure on the Malawian backline. Marie Ngah Manga delivered the breakthrough, expertly converting a chance inside the box to send the Cameroonian supporters into raptures and put the Lionesses 1-0 ahead.
Malawi’s dangerous attacking duo—sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga—found themselves starved of service as Cameroon’s midfield suffocated the spaces through which the Scorchers usually thrive.
Before the Scorchers could regain their footing, Cameroon delivered a devastating second blow. Star forward Naomi Eto, who has been a standout creative force throughout the knockout rounds, showcased brilliant composure to beat Mercy Sikelo and double Cameroon’s lead to 2-0.
Just as the fourth official signaled for stoppage time, Cameroon delivered a hammer blow right on the stroke of halftime. Marie Ngah Manga struck again in the 45th minute to secure her brace, capping off a blistering counter-attack to make it 3–0 before the referee blew the whistle for the interval.
With three goals in hand and total control of the midfield, Cameroon head into the locker room with one hand on the trophy, leaving Malawi in urgent need of a tactical miracle for the second 45 minutes.
With 45 minutes remaining, the Indomitable Lionesses are within touching distance of making history and putting their four previous final heartbreaks behind them. Malawi faces a massive mountain to climb in the second half if they are to mount a comeback in their fairy-tale debut campaign.
