Tongues are wagging as Cameroons womens national team, the Indomitable Lionesses , will not participate in any friendly matches during the last international window of the year, which runs from 24 November to 2 December. The team will remain inactive, with no gatherings or preparatory camps scheduled.
The next planned regrouping is set for late February 2026, just three weeks before the Womens Africa Cup of Nations WAFCON 2026 kicks off in Morocco from 17 March to 3 April 2026. This leaves a narrow window for preparation ahead of the continents premier tournament, which will feature an expanded field of 16 teams for the first time.
The Lionnese are currently operating without a head coach following the departure of Jean-Baptiste Bisseck, who was recently dismissed. No replacement has been announced, adding uncertainty to the teams preparations for WAFCON. The lack of friendlies in the NovemberDecember window compounds the challenge, leaving Cameroon with limited competitive rhythm ahead of the tournament.
Despite being eliminated in the final qualifying round, Cameroon was reinstated to the 16-team finals due to their FIFA womens ranking, offering the team a lifeline to the continental stage. The expanded tournament also serves as the qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Womens World Cup in Brazil, raising the stakes for the country and all participating nations.
With Morocco as hosts, other top African nations including Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Zambia, and Algeria will be vying for the continental crown, while debutants and lower-ranked teams like Cape Verde aim to make their mark. The knockout stages promise high tension, as the top four teams will earn World Cup spots.
For Cameroon, the upcoming WAFCON represents both an opportunity and a test. The team must quickly address its coaching vacuum, build cohesion, and adapt to the challenges of a larger, more competitive tournament. Analysts warn that failure to stabilize the technical setup before the regrouping in February could limit the Lionnes chances, while a rapid recovery could see them emerge as strong contenders.
As the clock ticks down to WAFCON 2026, all eyes will be on how the Lionnes Indomptables navigate this crucial preparation period. Their performance in Morocco will not only define their continental standing but could also secure a coveted spot on the world stage in 2027.