2016 Olympics: Lionesses determined to qualify

As part of the 2014 African Nations Cup finalists, quarter-finalists of the Women World Cup Canada 2015 and finalists of the recent All Africa Games in Brazzaville, the Indomitable Lionesses do not intend to stop there.

Christine Mani and her teammates are planning to validate their ticket for the second time in their history to the finals of the Olympics after London 2012.

Cameroon will compete in the final round against Zimbabwe who qualified after the disqualification of Côte d'Ivoire by Fifa. The first leg is scheduled in Yaoundé on October 3 and the return to the leg in Harare two weeks later. A few hours into the first 90 minutes, Coach Carl Enow Ngachu was confident of his daughters. "This is a group that is confident, the players know each other. We just need to stay focused, "the coach said on Wednesday, after the training session at the Omnisports stadium in Yaoundé.

For this double crucial confrontation, Enow Ngachu will yet do without most of the professional players. Gaëlle Deborah Enganamouit, Gabriel Aboudi Onguené, Yvonne Leuko, Geneviève Ngo Mbeleck, Augustine Siliki Ejangue among others who were not released by their clubs. It is a real handicap that does not undermine the confidence of the coach. "We have a repertoire of about 200 girls that we can call at any time to replace those absent," said Enow Ngachu.

He made mention of players like goalkeeper of Panther Security of Garoua, Isabelle Mabingo Mabingo. She replaced Annette Flore Ngo Ndom, who was absent due to family obligations, at the African Games. “When I play against Zimbabwe, I will give everything to help my country to qualify,” said the young woman.

Unlike when they were training in difficult conditions while preparing for the match against Ghana, the Lionesses have this time received special attention. They have been housed at the Yaoundé prestigious Mont Febe hotel two days ago.

They will play the first leg this Saturday at the Omnisports stadium in Yaoundé against the Zimbabwean women who are already present in the political capital of Cameroon.