The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations has ended with Cameroon winning their first continental title after a 3-0 victory over Malawi in the final in Morocco.

Malawi's run to the final on their debut has prompted calls for Namibia to strengthen investment, player development and preparation if the country is to compete at the same level.

Cameroon won their first Women's Africa Cup of Nations title after defeating debutants Malawi 3-0 in Sunday's final in Rabat.

Malawi's run to the final also secured their qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, after reaching the semi-finals in their first appearance at the continental tournament.

The tournament has highlighted the progress of women's football in countries that have invested in player development and international competition.

Namibia Women's Super League Chairperson Monica Shapwa said Malawi's performance shows what can be achieved through investment in women's football.

"I think as much as we want more growth, I think it is something beautiful just to see Malawi going to the final. Normally the powerhouses are your Nigeria, your Cameroon, your Ivory Coast and so on. Having a SADC country there really means a lot. It shows that with the right development, putting in the right money, that you can go far."

Shapwa said the competitiveness of the tournament is also linked to African players gaining experience in stronger leagues outside their home countries.

"For us to have that, we need to invest more and have our players maybe go to Botswana, Zambia, just at least outside Namibia to go and play, because that is what other countries do. We now won COSAFA and showed that we are capable, so the next level should be WAFCON."

Former Brave Gladiators coach Woody Jacobs said Malawi's performance shows that the gap between established teams and emerging nations is narrowing.

"It shows the development that has taken place in the women's game. Women's football, not just in Africa but globally, has taken a huge leap. Credit to Cameroon for becoming first-time winners, but also credit to Malawi. We always knew they were a strong team from the COSAFA days and a force to be reckoned with."

Jacobs also highlighted the role of FIFA's Talent Development Scheme in helping countries identify and develop young players.

"Through the Talent Development Scheme of FIFA, Malawi set up talent academies. Namibia is also in the process of doing that. The gaps are not that big anymore. We can take a lot from Malawi and what they've done. We as Namibians must really take a leaf from their book and start doing the same."

Jacobs said Namibia has players capable of competing at the continental level, but consistent preparation, player development and investment in women's football are needed if the country is to qualify for future WAFCON and World Cup tournaments.