Neither team appeared settled during the early exchanges. The Southern African side frequently attempted to release Temwa Chawinga with quick passes in behind, repeating an approach that had proved effective in their semi-final win over Algeria.
The first goal followed Sikelo’s failure to properly judge Eto’s delivery from the right, with Grace Mendoua directing a header back towards goal that the Malawi goalkeeper pushed against the crossbar.
Ngah Manga reacted quickest and converted the loose ball from close range, giving Cameroon, who sit 82 positions above Malawi in the rankings, control of the contest.
The Indomitable Lionesses extended their advantage after Malawi could not clear a corner. Eto turned sharply and struck a first-time shot into the lower-right corner.
Sikelo’s decision to leave her goal contributed to the third. She tried to intercept Genevieve Ngo Mbeleck’s through pass, but Eto reached it first, advanced to the byline and supplied a cross that Ngah Manga headed into the unguarded net from two yards.
Valentine Nguele, appointed Cameroon’s coach in June, has quickly organised the team into an effective unit. They defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-finals before overcoming tournament hosts Morocco in a semi-final penalty shootout.
Bihina delivered outstanding performances in both games, making nine stops against the Super Falcons before saving an extra-time penalty and denying three further attempts in the shootout against the North African side.
The 22-year-old Benfica goalkeeper had little work to do in the final as Malawi gradually lost their attacking threat.
Cameroon nearly scored again in the closing stages, but Sikele produced a strong save to deny Eto from a tight angle before Mendoua sent a header across the face of goal and wide following a corner.
During stoppage time, Cameroon substitute Gabrielle Onguene turned the ball home, only for the offside flag to rule out the effort. The 37-year-old was also shown a yellow card after removing her shirt while celebrating.
Cameroon football federation president Samuel Eto’o enthusiastically celebrated every goal from the stands at Moulay Hassan Stadium. At the final whistle, players, coaches and officials rushed onto the field to mark the country’s first Wafcon championship, having previously lost the 2004, 2014 and 2016 finals to Nigeria.
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