Rabat: Cameroon defeated tournament debutant Malawi in the final of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, winning the trophy for the first time. The Indomitable Lionesses, who had previously lost in the finals on three occasions to 10-time winner Nigeria, finally emerged victorious with a 3-0 win.According to France24.com, Cameroon, who initially failed to qualify for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, was given a second chance when the tournament organizers expanded the competition from 12 to 16 teams. This opportunity allowed Cameroon to participate as one of the highest-ranked losing teams. In the final held in Rabat, Marie Ngah scored twice and Naomi Eto added another goal, securing Cameroon's place as the new queens of African football.Despite their initial loss to Algeria in the qualifying round, Cameroon's inclusion in the expanded tournament paved the way for their historic victory. The team capitalized on their second chance, demonstrating resilience and skill throughout the competiti on. Malawi, ranked 153rd in the world, reached the final with the help of the Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, who scored nine goals between them, but ultimately could not overcome Cameroon's formidable performance.The final match saw an impressive start from Malawi, with the Chawingas using their power and pace to create several opportunities. However, Cameroon took control of the game with Ngah's 20th-minute goal, followed by Eto's strike in the 29th minute. Ngah secured her second goal just before halftime, giving Cameroon a commanding lead.Among the spectators was embattled FIFA president Gianni Infantino, accompanied by Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe and first vice-president Fouzi Lekjaa. Infantino, facing criticism for his attempts to sell World Cup stakes to private investors, witnessed Cameroon's success alongside other CAF officials.By reaching the semi-finals, Cameroon, Malawi, third-placed Algeria, and Morocco have qualified for the 2027 Women's World Cup in B razil. The number of African qualifiers could increase to six, as South Africa and Ghana, both WAFCON quarter-finalists, have secured spots in the inter-continental play-offs.