Cameroon

1, September 2026

Indomitable Lions: Zambo Anguissa retires from international football ⁰

Napoli midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa on Monday announced his retirement from international football with Cameroon.

In a statement, the 30-year-old said wearing the shirt of the Indomitable Lions had been a childhood dream. “Playing for the Cameroon national team is the dream of every Cameroonian child. I am very happy and above all very grateful to have been able to make it come true. After many years in the service of the Cameroon national team, I have taken the decision to bring my international career to an end,” Anguissa said.

“Wearing the shirt of the Indomitable Lions has been an immense honour and a huge source of pride. I realize how fortunate I have been to represent my country, to experience unforgettable moments and to share this adventure with so many team-mates, brothers and members of staff,” he added.

He thanked the Cameroon Football Federation, coaches, teammates and fans who supported him throughout his international career.

Anguissa made his senior debut for Cameroon in March 2017 and became a mainstay in midfield. He had earned 67 caps and scored five goals as of October 2025.

He was part of the squad that won the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations shortly after his debut. He went on to represent Cameroon at several AFCON tournaments, including a third-place finish at AFCON 2021 on home soil, as well as the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, where he scored his first international goal, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Source: Xinhuanet

27, August 2026

Indomitable Lions: Baleba has joined Man United from Brighton ⁰

Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba has joined Manchester United from Brighton and Hove Albion, the Premier League giants announced on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old is the third midfielder signed by the Red Devils during the summer transfer window.

“Manchester United is pleased to confirm that Carlos Baleba has joined the club, subject to registration,” the 20-time Premier League champions said in a statement.

His reported £70 million ($95 million) fee takes United’s spending on midfield reinforcements to more than £150m in this window.

He joins Belgium’s Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos of Brazil in a new-look United midfield after veteran Casemiro left at the end of last season.

“Baleba has already established himself as one of the most talented midfielders in the Premier League,” said United.

“During the 2024/25 season, his combined number of tackles and interceptions was the sixth-highest among midfielders in the league, while he also ranked fourth-highest for progressive ball carries per 90 minutes.”

United had been interested in signing Baleba a year ago following two impressive seasons for Brighton, but baulked at the south coast club’s asking price.

His last season was far less impressive, but that did not put off the Old Trafford club.

“It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams,” said Baleba.

“Playing at Old Trafford is always special but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a real honour.

“I cannot wait to work with Michael Carrick; his experience and knowledge of the game make him the perfect coach to help me to reach the highest level.”

Baleba had joined Brighton from French team Lille in 2023 and made 112 appearances for the Seagulls, including 35 last season.

He was hot property a year ago before his star waned a touch during the following campaign.

But it is his athleticism and combativity which have convinced United to sign him.

He ranked “in the top eight per cent of players for combined tackles and interceptions as well as the top one per cent for second balls won” last season, United said.

“Carlos is an elite midfielder with immense potential to develop further,” said United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, who also pointed to Baleba’s determination to join the club.

“He brings a unique combination of qualities that will really complement our squad.”

Baleba is still recovering from an ankle injury he suffered during pre-season.

He has signed a five-year contract with the option of a further year, according to reports.

The fee is £65 million plus a potential £5m in add-ons.

He will compete with Tielemans, Santos, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount for a midfield starting berth at Old Trafford.

Source: AFP

18, August 2026

Samuel Eto’o, a champion’s answer to his critics ⁰

There are moments in the beautiful game when victory is more than a score line. There are moments when a trophy becomes a statement, a response to doubt and a vindication of those who dared to believe. Cameroon’s historic triumph at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is one such moment.

The Indomitable Lionesses’ 3–0 victory over Malawi on Sunday will be remembered as the day Cameroon finally conquered Africa in the women’s game. It was the country’s first-ever African women’s title—a landmark achievement that deserves celebration far beyond the football pitch. And at the centre of this remarkable story stands Samuel Eto’o.

The former captain of the Indomitable Lions has endured intense criticism during his tenure at the helm of Cameroonian football. His leadership has been questioned; his decisions attacked and prominent voices close to the political establishment like Mathias Eric Owona Nguini-the television and talk-show professor have openly called for his departure. For his detractors, the federation under Eto’o had become synonymous with disappointment and controversy. But football has a way of delivering its own verdict.

Cameroon’s qualification for this tournament was itself a story of redemption. The Lionesses initially failed to qualify, only to receive a second chance when the four highest-ranked losing teams were invited into the competition. Cameroon seized that opportunity with both hands. What followed was not merely survival—it was transformation.

Under the pressure of expectation and criticism, the Lionesses marched all the way to the final. There, against a Malawi side that had captured the imagination of the continent with its extraordinary fairytale run, Cameroon produced a commanding 3–0 performance to lift the trophy.

That victory belongs first and foremost to the players and coaching staff who made history on the pitch. But Eto’o, as the leader of the federation, deserves recognition for being at the helm when Cameroon finally reached this summit.

His critics may not suddenly disappear, nor should one trophy erase every legitimate debate about the administration of Cameroonian football. Leadership must always remain open to scrutiny. But criticism must also be balanced with acknowledgement when achievement arrives. And this achievement is enormous.

Samuel Eto’o does not need to answer his detractors with angry words, press conferences or political arguments. The Lionesses have provided the most powerful response possible: a trophy.

For decades, Cameroon has been a giant of African football, particularly in the men’s game. The Indomitable Lions have carried the nation’s colours to continental glory on multiple occasions. Now, for the first time, the women have written their own chapter in Cameroon’s football history. Eto’o can rightly celebrate this moment.

He inherited a football culture with enormous expectations and formidable challenges. Whatever the controversies surrounding his administration, guiding Cameroonian football to its first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown is a milestone that cannot be dismissed.

The Lionesses have shown that a second chance can become a historic opportunity. They have shown that setbacks do not have to define a team. And they have given their federation president something no critic can take away from him: a place in the story of Cameroon’s first African women’s championship.

Samuel Eto’o has heard the criticism. On Sunday, the Indomitable Lionesses answered it. And they answered it with gold.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

18, August 2026

Cameroon celebrates as WAFCON winners return home ⁰

Thousands of Cameroonians gathered in Yaounde on Monday to celebrate the national football team after they won their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The Cameroonian women were greeted by hundreds of supporters on the tarmac Monday upon their return from Morocco where they beat Malawi 3–0 in Sunday’s final to claim the 2026 WAFCON trophy.

The footballers were swept up in the sea of Cameroonian flags, jerseys and phones held high to film their arrival.

The electrifying atmosphere spilled on to the streets of the capital, where thousands of people lined up on the sidewalks to cheer the players as they passed.

“At the start of this competition, the girls were calm, and their mindset carried them to victory. They deserved it,” said Aline Mvogo, a 63-year-old housewife who was at the airport.

Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses claimed the title unexpectedly — they hadn’t even qualified for the tournament until a decision taken in November to expand it from 12 to 16 teams.

Although visibly tired, the players beamed at the elated crowds of supporters who sought to extend the celebrations that began the day before.

On Sunday evening, the festivities continued late into the night in several districts of Yaounde.

Music, car horns and Cameroonian flags resounded throughout the city and accompanied the outpourings of joy in the streets of the capital after the final whistle.

“At the beginning of the tournament, I wasn’t really following it. Little by little, I started to watch. I’m proud; I saw a strong and determined team,” said Florence Manga, a 26-year-old communications student.

The players paraded through the streets of the capital on Monday, proudly displaying their first Cup, amid the cheers of the thousands of people lining the roads.

Cameroonian President Paul Biya, 93, currently in Switzerland, congratulated the “valiant, talented and intrepid Indomitable Lionesses” in a post on Facebook late Sunday, hailing the trophy won at the end of a “well-executed performance”.

Source: AFP

17, August 2026

Women’s Africa Cup of Nations: enfin, we are champions ⁰

Cameroon, who failed to qualify for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations only to get a second chance, beat fairytale finalists Malawi 3-0 on Sunday to be crowned champions.

Marie Ngah scored twice and Naomi Eto once in the final in Rabat as the Indomitable Lionesses became queens of African football for the first time after finishing runners-up on three occasions.

Cameroon lost at home and away to Algeria in the final qualifying round, but the organisers later increased the number of teams for the tournament from 12 to 16.

The four highest ranked losers, led by Cameroon, were added for the two-yearly competition, which Morocco hosted for the third consecutive time.

It was a sad climax for Malawi, ranked 153rd in the world, who had reached the title decider with the Chawinga sisters, captain Tabitha and Temwa, scoring nine goals between them.

Among those who saw Cameroon succeed after losing the 2004, 2014 and 2016 finals to Nigeria without scoring was embattled FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

He was flanked by Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe from South Africa and first vice-president Fouzi Lekjaa.

The CAF leadership have backed Infantino, who is fighting to save his job after a barrage of criticism for his aborted plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

Debutants Malawi defied being the lowest ranked nation at the marquee African women’s football event to reach the final after beating defending champions Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana and Algeria.

The Scorchers started the final impressively, with the power and pace of the Chawingas creating several threatening situations.

But Malawi failed to score and, as the opening half progressed, so did the performance of Cameroon, who took a 20th-minute lead.

A cross was headed off Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo onto the crossbar and Ngah nodded the rebound into the net for her fourth goal of the tournament.

As they became increasingly adventurous, Cameroon doubled the lead on 29 minutes when Eto, with her back to goal, swivelled and struck the ball into the corner of the net.

Ngah netted again three minutes into added time at the end of the opening half, heading an Eto cross into the net.

After scoring twice in the opening half, Ngah should have completed a hat-trick early in the second period but, after taking the ball past Sikelo, fired wide.

Malawi contained Cameroon as the second period progressed and Temwa Chawinga was just wide with a low shot after a goalmouth scramble.

By reaching the semi-finals, Cameroon, Malawi, third-placed Algeria and Morocco qualified for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The number of African qualifiers could swell to six as losing WAFCON quarter-finalists South Africa and Ghana have secured places in inter-continental play-offs.

Source: AFP

14, August 2026

Cameroon hails Lionesses after penalty shootout sends team to WAFCON final ⁰

Cameroonian officials and supporters have praised the women’s national football team after it advanced to the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The Indomitable Lionesses edged host Morocco 3-1 on penalties in Rabat on Wednesday night, after 120 minutes ended 0-0 in a tense semi-final.

Minister of Sports and Physical Education Narcisse Moulle Kombi called it a “brilliant qualification”.

“With this outstanding performance, our valiant Lionesses have shown determination, solidarity, strength of character, and an exceptional fighting spirit,” Kombi said in a statement late Wednesday. “They are proudly flying Cameroon’s colors at the top of African women’s football, and now they are aiming for a new continental title.”

In Douala, Cameroon’s commercial capital, fans flooded the streets chanting in celebration, reserving special praise for goalkeeper Michaely Bihina after she saved three penalties in the shootout.

“Michaely is our savior. Her historic performance made the difference. We are so happy and we keep supporting the girls. Good luck in the final,” football fan Samuel Tabi, said.

This is Cameroon’s fourth time reaching the WAFCON final. The team has never won the tournament.

The Lionesses will face Malawi in the final on Sunday.

Source: Xinhuanet

13, August 2026

Indomitable Lionesses: meet Kyria Bihina our saviour ⁰

A clean sheet against record 10-time African winners and reigning champions Nigeria is the kind of result that etches your name in the history books.

Bihina’s heroics that inspired Cameroon to a historic 1-0 win did not only ensure the Indomitable Lionesses have reached the semifinals of the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 in Morocco but it also means they have qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time since 2019.

Right from the first minute of the game, the 22-year old custodian was tested by the Nigerian attack led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade but she established her presence strongly.

Bihina understood the assignment. Carrying the weight of her nation on her shoulders, she showed that as the last line of resistence, Nigeria would need a miracle to go past her.

Bihina. Bihina. Bihina.

Allez! Allez! Allez [Let’s go] Bihina! The enthusiastic Cameroonian fans in the stands kept chanting her name in a bid to show their support to her. Every time, she made a save, they cheered her on and clapped for her. But most importantly, they enjoyed her jaw-dropping performance on an evening when Cameroon was desperate to register a positive result.

This was the 14^th meeting between Cameroon and Nigeria at the WAFCON – the most played fixture at the continental showpiece. Cameroon had only won once before August 9, 2026. That win was thanks to a Gaelle Enganamouit goal that inspired the Indomitable Lionesses finish third at the WAFCON 2012 edition in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

Bihina was eight years, 10 months and 15 days back then. A child.

Since then, Nigeria defeated Cameroon in back-to-back WAFCON finals in 2014 in Windhoek, Namibia and 2016 in the Cameroonian capital Yaounde. Cameroonians have never forgotten that loss at the fully packed Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in the capital.

At the WAFCON 2018, Nigeria edged Cameroon 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw in the semifinals and four years later, an Ajibade lone goal was enough for Nigeria to claim the win in the quarterfinals. Cameroon did not qualify for the 2024 edition played last year.

For Bihina, who is featuring at the WAFCON for the very first time, it was about time Cameroon ended this jinx that had turned into a one-sided rivalry between the neighbours.

“I am so happy right now. This is a dream come true. Playing in my first WAFCON and being able to beat Nigeria and qualify for the World Cup is historic. I am so excited and happy that as a team we have achieved this. I’m very emotional right now,” she says with barely a voice left thanks to the celebrations after the game.

Shot stopper extraordinaire

Nine saves. A second clean sheet in four games. Only two goals conceded. This is the story of Bihina who plies her trade at Benfica in Portugal. Bihina admits that, “We had an objective going into this game – to change the history of our national team especially against Nigeria. I am happy. The team is happy. It is a great day for Cameroonian football.”

When her personal stats were projected on the stadium screen, fans and opponents alike gave her a standing ovation. It was the kind of performance that one must applaud in the spirit of fair play.

Away from the stands to the pitch, her former Benfica teammate and Nigerian midfielder Christy Onyenaturuchi Ucheibe who played her heart out in this matchup, walked up to her, hugged her and congratulated her. They exchanged jerseys. More applause from the fans.

“She praised me and said she was happy for me and that I deserve it. She is my dear friend. We have been at Benfica together and that means so much to me that she did that,” Bihina reveals exclusively to CAFOnline.

“For me personally, it has been a long journey of hard work and discipline. I continue to work with humility and try to improve every other day. I’m glad to be here playing for Cameroon.”

Born in Ekounou, Nkoldongo in Yaounde, Bihina started out as a striker and as she continued growing tall for her age, she switched to goalkeeping. “My coach told me that I was too tall to be a striker and that I would do better as a goalkeeper. I did that and six months later, I was summoned to the national team,” she remembers with a big grin on her face.

At 15, Bihina got her first test of Nigeria’s dominance when they defeated Cameroon in the final 3-2 on penalties after a goalless draw at the 2019 African Games. This stayed with her. She continued working on her craft that saw her join Portuguese second division side Racing Power. She helped them win the league title and gain promotion to the topflight division.

Her exploits attracted attention from the rest of the league but most importantly the league giants SL Benfica who successfully signed her on February 1 this year. She won the double adding the league and Portuguese Cup to her name.

Coming off this spectacular season with Benfica, Bihina has now added reaching the WAFCON 2026 last four with a chance to win the WAFCON for Cameroon for the very first time and World Cup qualification to her illustrious curriculum vitae.

N’Kono, Antoine Bell, Kameni, Onana, Bihina…

Reeling and in tears of joy, Bihina was lifted into the air by her teammates immediately center referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa blew the full time whistle. As she received the Woman of the Match Award, she could not believe it. So many emotions ran through her body. A moment of truth had come at the right place for her.

“It was a great day for me to show that Cameroon has good goalkeepers. It is an honour for me to be in the same sentence with these great Cameroonian goalkeepers who have represented our country over the years,” she says when asked about her nation’s goalkeeping legacy.

Bihina finds herself in the same sentence with Cameroonian greats like the iconic Thomas N’Kono and Joseph Antoine Bell who dominated global headlines when they won the AFCON in 1984 and 1988. A clean sheet against Diego Maradona’s Argentina in their opening match at the FIFA World Cup 1990 in Italy was the only introduction the world needed to know about Cameroon’s goalkeeping prowess.

The list is long – Jacques Songo’o, Carlos Kameni, Alioum Boukar, André Onana and his cousin Fabrice Ondoa. Cameroon has continuously produced world class goalkeepers and Bihina is keen to continue working hard to make her nation proud and to inspire other young Cameroonians – female and male to believe in themselves and to work hard.

The wall between the posts for Cameroon, Bihina, will now face yet another massive test when the Indomitable Lionesses take on the hosts and back-to-back WAFCON finalists Morocco on Wednesday at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat at 21h00.

13, August 2026

Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final: Malawi to meet Cameroon ⁰

Malawi continued their giant-killing run at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and beat Algeria 3-1 on Wednesday to book a place ‌in the final against Cameroon.

Cameroon upset hosts Morocco 3-1 on penalties after the match ended goalless following extra time in the other semi-final.

Competing at the finals for the first time, Malawi beat defending champions Nigeria ⁠in their opening group fixture before edging more fancied rivals Ghana in the quarter-finals.

The Cup of Nations finals served as qualifiers for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil with the four quarter-final winners going through.

Malawi’s heroics continued on Wednesday with Chawinga sisters, Tabitha (2) and Temwa, netting the goals in the semi-final triumph with Ikram Adjabi ‌getting ⁠Algeria’s consolation.

Morocco had a controversial penalty awarded to them two minutes before the end of extra-time after a VAR review but Fatima Tagnaout had her effort saved.

Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina ⁠went on to save three more spot kicks in the shootout before teenager Myriam Nyadjou coolly converted the winning penalty ⁠to send her country through to the final.

The final on Sunday in Rabat will crown a new African ⁠champion with all past continental tournaments having been won by either Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria or South Africa.

Source: Reuters

10, August 2026

Indomitable Lionesses dump champions Nigeria out of WAFCON ⁰

A new champion will emerge at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after defending champions Nigeria were eliminated by Cameroon in the quarter-finals on Sunday.

South Africa, who also won the title in 2022, were eliminated by hosts Morocco on Saturday.

The Indomitable Lionesses produced a resilient display in Casablanca to end Nigeria’s title defense and book their place in the semi-finals, while also securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Cameroon struck the decisive blow in the 19th minute through 20-year-old Myriam Maéva Nyadjou, who unleashed a thunderous effort from distance that flew into the top corner, leaving Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie helpless.

Nigeria looked for an immediate response a minute later when Rasheedat Ajibade delivered a dangerous cross into the area, but Gift Monday was unable to make a clean connection after Cameroon had dealt comfortably with the initial threat.

The Super Falcons continued to push forward and came close again in the 28th minute. Rinsola Babajide’s delivery found Jennifer Echegini in a promising position, but her effort was well saved as Cameroon protected their slender advantage.

Despite Nigeria enjoying spells of possession and creating opportunities, Cameroon remained organised at the back and carried their 1-0 lead into the half-time break.

Nigeria emerged for the second half with even greater urgency in search of an equaliser but found Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina in inspired form.

The shot-stopper produced one of the saves of the tournament in the 70th minute, stretching out a strong hand to deny Uchenna Kanu’s powerful header and preserve her side’s lead.

Cameroon nearly doubled their advantage six minutes from time when Achta Njoya’s well-struck free-kick from a tight angle forced Nnadozie into a sharp save, with the Nigerian goalkeeper tipping the effort over the crossbar.

The defending champions threw everything forward in the closing stages and almost forced extra time through substitute Esther Okoronkwo.

After using her pace to beat her marker, Okoronkwo sent a left-footed effort agonisingly wide of the post, with substitute Asisat Oshoala waiting for a simple lay-off beside her.

Cameroon held firm through the final minutes to seal a memorable victory, eliminating the 10-time champions and punching their ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Following Nigeria’s defeat, the Super Falcons will face South Africa on Thursday for a place in the inter-confederation World Cup play-offs, with the fixture determining one of Africa’s representatives at the qualifying tournament.

Culled from The PUNCH

4, August 2026

Cameroon wins 5 Commonwealth Games medals as Eseme sets 100m record ⁰

Cameroon concluded the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which ended on Aug. 2 in Glasgow, with five medals: one gold, one silver and three bronze. The country’s delegation, which consisted of 21 athletes, improved on its performance at the 2022 Birmingham Games, where it won three medals.

Eseme Wins Gold in Record Time

Emmanuel Eseme secured Cameroon’s only gold medal by winning the men’s 100 meters. The 32-year-old sprinter crossed the finish line in 9.83 seconds despite rainy conditions, finishing ahead of Australia’s Lachlan Kennedy and Nigeria’s Kayinsola Ajayi.

Eseme’s performance established both a new Commonwealth Games record and a new Cameroon national record. Earlier in the semifinals, he had already lowered the national record to 9.89 seconds. Moreover, his winning time ranks as the third-fastest performance in African history and the third-fastest time in the world during the 2026 season as of the date of the race.

Judo Delivers Three Medals

Judo accounted for three of Cameroon’s five medals. Richelle Soppi Mbella claimed the silver medal in the women’s over-78 kg category after losing the final to New Zealand’s Sydnee Andrews. Meanwhile, Marie Céline Baba Matia won bronze in the under-52 kg division, while Franck Ulrick Tahman Zan also secured bronze in the under-100 kg category.

Cameroon’s fifth medal came from para-athlete Cédric Idriss Lekezo Azamdzi, who finished third in the F57 shot put with a throw of 12.57 meters. Consequently, Cameroon won medals in athletics, para-athletics and judo.

Medal Count Improves on Birmingham 2022

Cameroon increased its medal tally to five podium finishes, compared with three medals at the 2022 Birmingham Games, representing a 66.7% increase. However, the country maintained the same number of gold medals. At Birmingham 2022, weightlifter Junior Périclès Ngadja Nyabeyeu won Cameroon’s only gold medal in the 109 kg category.

Nevertheless, comparisons between the two editions require caution because the 2026 Glasgow Games featured 215 events across 10 sports, compared with 283 events across 19 sports at Birmingham 2022.

Cameroon Ranks Fifth Among African Nations

Cameroon finished 16th overall in the final medal standings and ranked fifth among African countries, behind Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and Mauritius. Although Cameroon won one more medal than Mauritius, Mauritius ranked higher because it secured one additional silver medal. The Commonwealth Games ranking prioritizes gold medals, followed by silver and bronze medals.

Nigeria led the African medal table with 24 medals, including 10 gold medals, while South Africa collected 28 medals, including seven gold medals. Australia topped the overall medal standings with 171 medals, including 70 gold medals, ahead of England and Canada.

Source: Sbbc