Both teams appeared tentative early on, as the Southern Africans repeatedly attempted to exploit Temwa Chawinga with forward passes, a strategy that proved effective in their semi‑final win over Algeria.
The opening goal resulted from Sikelo’s misjudgment of an Eto cross from the right, and Grace Mendoua’s header back across the goal was saved onto the bar by the Malawi goalkeeper.
Ngah Manga quickly pounced on the rebound from close range, and Cameroon, ranked 82 positions above their opponents, never looked back.
The Indomitable Lionesses extended their lead when Malawi failed to clear a corner; Eto pivoted and struck a first‑time shot into the bottom right corner.
Sikelo may have been at fault for the third goal; she ventured off her line to try to intercept Genevieve Ngo Mbeleck’s through ball, but Eto reached the byline first, delivering a cross for Ngah Manga to head into an empty net from two yards.
Valentine Nguele assumed the Cameroon coaching role in June and has guided a well‑drilled side that upset Nigeria 1‑0 in the quarter‑finals and later defeated host Morocco on penalties in the semi‑finals.
Bihina was the standout performer in both matches, making nine saves against the Super Falcons and denying an extra‑time penalty as well as three additional spot‑kicks during the shootout with the North Africans.
The 22‑year‑old Benfica goalkeeper saw limited action as Malawi’s challenge waned.
Cameroon nearly added a fourth late on when Eto’s shot from a narrow angle was well saved by Sikele, and later Mendoua headed a corner across the goal, missing the target.
In injury time, substitute Gabrielle Onguene tapped in, but the 37‑year‑old was ruled offside and booked for removing her shirt in celebration.
Cameroon Football Federation President Samuel Eto’o celebrated each goal exuberantly in the stands at the Moulay Hassan Stadium, while the bench and officials ran onto the pitch after the final whistle, marking Cameroon’s first Wafcon title after previous final losses in 2004, 2014 and 2016, all to Nigeria.
