Cameroon’s Lionesses Turn Late WAFCON Entry Into a Run to the Final

From a late entry to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to a place in the final, Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses have turned an uncertain start into an unexpected run that has drawn praise across the country’s political divide.

Their place in the final came after a semifinal that went to a penalty shootout. Cameroon will now play for the continental title on August 16, the final day of the tournament. (Confédération Africaine de Football)

The run stands out because Cameroon had initially failed to qualify on the field. The Lionesses were eliminated by Algeria in the final qualifying round before eventually entering the tournament after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) expanded the field from 12 to 16 teams. (Horizons)

That late route into the competition has added another dimension to their place in the final. Cameroon now has an opportunity to win its first WAFCON title after previously reaching the latter stages of the competition and losing in the final.

Sports and Physical Education Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi praised the team for once again demonstrating its character.

“Through this outstanding performance, our valiant Lionesses have once again shown their determination, solidarity, strength of character and exceptional fighting spirit,” he said.

According to the minister, the qualification “honors Cameroonian women’s football and has the entire nation looking toward the final with confidence and enthusiasm.”

A Run That Defied Expectations

Opposition figures have also highlighted how far the team has come since its late entry into the tournament.

Patricia Tomaino Ndam Njoya, president of the Cameroon Democratic Union (UDC), pointed to both the team’s qualification for the next World Cup and its run to the WAFCON final.

“Having secured your place at the next World Cup from the quarterfinals and now reached the final of Morocco 2026, you are an exemplary team because, after being called up at the last minute for this competition, you have defied all expectations match after match,” she wrote in a message to the players.

The turnaround has become one of the defining features of Cameroon’s campaign. Months ago, the Lionesses had been eliminated from qualification. They now stand one match away from the continental title.

Akere Muna, leader of the Now movement, also emphasized the symbolic importance of the performance. He said Michaely Bihina and her teammates had given Cameroon “a reason to celebrate” and demonstrated character when the country needed it.

Ibrahim Yiché, president of the Action party, framed the qualification around generational renewal.

“This generation of Lionesses proves it once again: when young people and new forces are trusted, results follow. Generational renewal always pays,” he said. That interpretation extends beyond the sporting performance and into political commentary. The Lionesses’ success also reflects factors specific to the tournament, including their collective organization, resilience in knockout matches and ability to deliver at decisive moments.

A Rare Moment of Political Unity

The reactions to the qualification have nevertheless produced a rare convergence between government and opposition figures. Their language differs — from fighting spirit and resilience to youth and generational renewal — but their messages share recognition of a run few expected when Cameroon entered the tournament.

That does not mean political divisions have disappeared. The unity is temporary and centered on sport. It instead illustrates the ability of national-team success to briefly create common ground in a public arena often shaped by partisan disputes.

For the Lionesses, the focus now returns to the field. After turning a late entry into a place in the final, they have one match left to turn an unlikely campaign into their first continental title.

Thierry Christophe Yamb