Cameroon's women's national football team, the Indomitable Lionesses, claimed their first-ever Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title on Sunday, defeating debut finalists Malawi 3-0 in the final held in Rabat, Morocco. The historic victory also secured Cameroon a place at next year's Women's World Cup, adding further weight to a triumph that has sent waves of pride across the central African nation.

The team returned home to a jubilant welcome at Yaoundé's Nsimalen International Airport on Monday afternoon, where thousands of fans — many of whom had been waiting since early morning — lined the tarmac and terminal. The plane carrying the delegation was greeted with a traditional firefighters' water salute, and each player received a rose as they descended the stairs before the national anthem was played. Captain Aboudi Onguéné led the victory parade through the streets of Yaoundé in an open-top military vehicle, holding the trophy aloft as crowds packed the city's neighbourhoods, with the procession repeatedly brought to a standstill by celebrating supporters. Goalkeeper Mikaely Bihina was widely hailed as a symbol of the victory, with the team having entered the tournament as a repêchage qualifier — making the title all the more remarkable. Forward Monique Ngock was named player of the tournament, receiving her award in the presence of FIFA president Gianni Infantino and CAF president Patrice Motsepe, who also attended the final along with Cameroon Football Federation president Samuel Eto'o, the former international star.

For many Cameroonians, the victory carried meaning well beyond sport. "It validates what a woman can achieve beyond simply watching the children and staying at home," said Arlette Missilisem, one of the fans who turned out in Yaoundé. Striker Rose Bella reflected on the overwhelming reception: "The joy is immense — we are dazzled by the welcome and the encouragement of the public." The win sparked a viral social media trend under the slogan "zéro humilité" (zero humility), with influencers and comedians urging Cameroonians to celebrate with unrestrained confidence. Some used the moment to draw a pointed contrast with the men's national team, who have yet to win a continental title in recent years, with one prominent influencer noting that the women "focused on playing football" rather than internal rivalries.

The result was also notable for the teams involved: Algeria defeated hosts Morocco in the third-place playoff on Saturday. For Cameroon, the title ends a long wait — the team had previously reached the final three times without winning, including a painful defeat at home in 2016. As midfielder Toko Njoya put it upon landing: "Seeing so many Cameroonians shows that we are supported — maybe not always up close, but always from afar."