Stay Focused

It is no longer a secret that the Lionesses of Cameroon are the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions after last Sunday’s final in Rabat (Morocco). The Lio­ nesses, who were included in the tournament list follo­ wing an expansion of the number of participating teams from 12 to 16 by CAF just a few months before the start of the competition, defied all predictions by bookmakers to lift the trophy in grand style. From the blast of the whis­ tle on July 26, 2026, to last Sunday’s final victory, key team statistics speak. Only 2 goals conceded, 3 clean sheets recorded by the defensive line, and goalkeeper Mi­ chaely Bihina's new continental record of saving four pe­ nalties during the same encounter. The outstanding performance, which puts an end to the previous heartbreaks the Indomitable Lionesses had gone through during the 2004, 2014, and 2016 finals, should not send the players and technical staff into slum­ ber. The journey for bigger challenges has just started. To be African champion with a World Cup ticket in hand is a huge responsibility that requires a lot of mobilisation at every...