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Cameroon Make Six Changes for High-Stakes Nigeria WAFCON Quarter-Final
Cameroon head coach Valentine Nguèle has made six changes to his starting XI for the high-stakes TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-final showdown against perennial rivals Nigeria at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
Goalkeeper Michael Kyria Bihina comes into the starting XI, replacing Cathy Biya, while Esther Kelsy Mayi Kith replaces **Berthe Reine Bengono.
Michaela Toko Njoya returns to the XI, with Marie Gisele Ngah Manga also handed a starting role. In midfield, Charlène Yverna Meyong Menene replaces Brunelle Ebolé Kome, while Yvana Makana Yakana comes in for Naomi Mbeleck.
The changes reflect Nguèle’s tactical approach for a match that carries enormous significance for the Indomitable Lionesses.
Cameroon Starting XI
GK: Michael Kyria Bihina
DEF: Esther Kelsy Mayi Kith, Michaela Toko Njoya, Colette Ndzana Fegue, Myriam Maëva Nyadjou Wamen, Yvana Makana Yakana
MID: Charlène Yverna Meyong Menene, Monique Ngock
FW: Grâce Mendoua, Naomi Leslie Ndjoah Eto, Marie Gisele Ngah Manga
Cameroon’s six changes see Biya, Bengono, Onguene, Kome, Belou and Mbeleck drop out of the starting XI, with Bihina, Mayi Kith, Njoya, Manga, Meyong and Yakana coming in.
What is at stake for Cameroon?
For Cameroon, there is no room for error. Victory over Nigeria will send the Indomitable Lionesses into the WAFCON semi-finals, keeping alive their hopes of reaching the final and challenging for a first continental title.
The quarter-final is also an opportunity for Cameroon to overcome one of their biggest historical obstacles in African women’s football. Nigeria have traditionally dominated this rivalry, making the encounter another major test of Cameroon’s progress on the continental stage.
A defeat, meanwhile, will end Cameroon’s WAFCON title hopes and send Nigeria through to the last four, leaving the Indomitable Lionesses to fight for the remaining classification positions.
For Nguèle and his players, therefore, the equation is simple: win and continue the journey towards continental glory, or lose and see their WAFCON campaign come to an end.
The winner will advance to face hosts Morocco in the semi-final, while the loser will battle South Africa for the intercontinental playoff spot.