Indomitable again: Cameroon turn reinstatement into redemption, now on brink of a maiden WAFCON title

Cameroon in Africa’s rising landscape

A return to the summit of women’s football for this team is in part luck with the tournament expansion, though it isn’t coincidental either. 

One of the fastest growing sports in the world, it is constantly taking on new forms as it grows in each corner of the globe. If nations do not keep up, they get left behind. 

Whether it be a case of investment, domestic structure or nurturing young talent, neglecting these foundations deprives countries of the chance to compete at the very top.

This is something CAF President Patrice Motsepe has recognised, saying: “Women’s football is essential for the future of our continent. 

“We must continue investing in our players, coaches and competitions because the future of African football depends on giving women the opportunities they deserve.”

Cameroon’s reinstatement opened the door for their own growth in this sport, giving them the chance to find their feet again – but it required being ready when the opportunity came knocking. Reaching the final would not have been possible without the players and the coaches at the heart of it, including head coach Valentine Nguele who has been in charge for just two months. 

She has absolved her side of pressure, going game-by-game rather than looking too far ahead. It is an approach that has served them well at this edition of WAFCON and given her the opportunity to show other women coaches what is possible. 

“I am proud of this journey,” she said after reaching the final. “I also want to show my sisters in this profession that you have to go all the way – it’s not easy at all. 

“Keep learning and stand strong through every storm. I dedicated this victory to all women coaches.” 

For a team once defined by consistency, this campaign has been about rediscovery and getting back to their roots. It hasn’t been a dramatic fall and rise again, rather a quiet embrace of everything new from players to tactics. 

Now into a WAFCON final and back in the FIFA World Cup, The Indomitable Lionesses are ready to stand tall again.