Janine van Wyk praises Cameroon’s historic WAFCON triumph

Cameroon were crowned African champions after defeating tournament debutants Malawi 3-0 in the final in Rabat on Sunday night.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Van Wyk says the tournament has showcased the growing competitiveness of women’s football, with emerging nations going head-to-head with some of Africa’s traditional powerhouses.

"Well, first of all I think we have to congratulate Cameroon, winning their maiden WAFCON title is a massive achievement and something that will mean so much to women's football in Cameroon,” van Wyk said. 

“I also think this tournament showed just how much African women's football is developing, the gap between teams is getting smaller. The tactical level is improving and we're seeing more teams believing that they can compete against the traditionally stronger nations. 

"So, for me that's probably one of the biggest positives to come out of this WAFCON, Cameroon winning their first title shows other countries that it's possible."

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Van Wyk has also praised Cameroon and Malawi for rewriting the history of African women’s football, with both finalists earning automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

"Well you look at the two finalists in the WAFCON tournament, no one would ever have thought that those two would be the finalists of this WAFCON tournament. So, you could see how much women's football is evolving in Africa,” she added. 

“If you look at some of the names, most of them are playing in the French League. Most of them are playing college football in America. So they have good profiles and that's something that didn't really happen a couple of years ago. 

“So, they are putting their profiles out there, they are getting themselves agents, they are putting themselves on the map."