Reconstruction : Gaps To Be Filled

At a time when the senior women’s national team of Cameroon is experiencing major setbacks in its performance, that is going a long way to dampen its rich football pedigree on the continent; it is crucial to explore the areas that need reconstruction in all compartments of play. This is relative to the current assets the team has and how far they can blend to ensure cohesion. The reality on ground is that all the compartments of play are clearly lacking behind especially as the old folks who had worked hard to brighten the image of the team, are moving towards the door, and the minnows coming in, have little time to understand and combine efforts. Again, their youthfulness and inexperience are causing the expected harm. Away from these, often playing these folks off their comfort zones have been counter-productive.

Goalkeeping
Uncertainty still looms in this compartment. After Ngo Ndom, the senior women’s national team has not had a steady goalkeeper for a while now. Recently, Ange Bawou emerged as an undisputable first-choice for Cameroon. Probably due to counter- performance, she was set aside. Since then, it has been Ping-Pong between Michaely Bihina and Cathy Biya. Bihina plays for first division side Racing Power in Portugal while Biya is keeper for home-based club Éclair FF. Looking at Bihina’s performance in the double-header against Nigeria, she might be cementing her spot as Cameroon’s first-choice. Nonetheless, cumulatively, her performance has given reasons to tremble. Though football is a collective game; her numerous errors contributed greatly to Cameroon’s failure to qualify for the 2024 Women’s AFCON. Not all days are good ones. Probably, if she is given more time with the team, she could improve alongside Biya.

Defense
One of the greatest absences for Cameroon in the just-ended double encounter was Esther Johnson. She is in the same league and probably same generation of the Falonne Meffometou’s and Marie Aurelle Awona’s; who are evidently at the door. In effect, they are part of the aging crew. Contrarily, Falonne has been very useful with her experience, but Marie Aurelle has been side-lined. As these players are moving towards the door, new ones are being brought in. A player like Colette Ndzana who plays for first division side, Stade Reims breaths confidence and constitute a major asset in this compartment of play. The others are still struggling to cope in the tedious terrain, igniting the need for scouting the best and probably allowing those already in, like Eliane Manbolamo, Bernadette Mbele and Annecy Nguiadem; just to mention but these, to train more often.

Midfield
The days of the Ngo Mbeleck’

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