►►The Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon have once again failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking a second consecutive absence from the prestigious continental tournament. The defeat against Algeria in the final qualifying round on October 28th 2025 in Douala, has left fans and analysts questioning the direction of women’s football in the country.
Afrique54.net »Cameroon entered the qualifiers with hopes of redemption after missing the 2024 edition. Despite a promising start in Oran, where they narrowly lost 2-1, the return leg in Douala ended in a 0-1 defeat, sealing their elimination with a 3-1 aggregate score.
The match, played under torrential rain, exposed tactical weaknesses and a lack of cohesion. Algeria’s Marine Dafeur scored the decisive goal in the 24th minute, and Cameroon struggled to respond. Captain Nchout Njoya Ajara came close in the second half, but her effort found only the side netting.
The Lionesses, once a dominant force in African women’s football with 13 qualifications out of 15 previous AFCONs, now face a period of reflection and rebuilding. Their absence from the 2026 tournament also means missing out on the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Supporters have voiced frustration over the team’s performance, citing a lack of tactical clarity and urgency. With the spotlight now on the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot), questions loom about the future of the squad and its leadership.
Algeria’s Rise : From quarter finals to World Cup Ambitions
Meanwhile, Algeria continues its impressive ascent in women’s football. After reaching the quarterfinals of the 2024 AFCON in Morocco, the team has now qualified for the 2026 edition, also set to be hosted in Morocco with ambitions of reaching the semi finals and earning a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Under coach Farid Benstiti, Algeria delivered a tactically sound performance against Cameroon. In the rain-soaked return leg in Douala, Marine Dafeur’s powerful low strike in the 24th minute sealed a 1–0 victory, adding to their 2–1 win in Oran. Despite losing captain Sofia Guellati late in the match, Algeria’s defensive discipline and counter-attacking strategy proved decisive.
Benstiti’s line up changes, starting Inès Boutaleb and Lynda Bendrispaid off, showcasing the team’s depth and adaptability. With growing confidence and maturity, Algeria is now seen as a rising force in African women’s football.
© Afrique54.net │Dan A Memée
