Cameroon’s U-17 Lionesses head into the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco hoping to make history — despite a dramatic coaching change that has shaken their build-up.
Just weeks before kick-off, the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) announced the suspension of head coach Joseph Brian Ndoko following allegations of misconduct, saying the decision was taken “pending investigation.”
In his place, Josephine Mike Ndoumou, head coach of FAP Amazone and assistant coach of the senior Indomitable Lionesses, has been appointed to lead the team through the tournament.
The change comes at a delicate time, but the players remain focused on building on their flawless qualifying campaign.
Unbeaten in Qualifying, but a Disrupted Preparation
The young Lionesses were one of Africa’s most convincing sides in qualifying, winning all six matches and scoring 16 goals while conceding just three.
They dominated Egypt, Ethiopia, and Kenya, showcasing a technical and attacking brand of football under Ndoko.
His philosophy centred on ball retention and controlled possession, a style that helped Cameroon dictate tempo and dominate weaker sides on the continent.
However, with his suspension, FECAFOOT moved quickly to ensure continuity and stability ahead of the World Cup.
“Our priority is the welfare of the players and maintaining focus before Morocco,” FECAFOOT said in a statement.
“Coach Ndoumou brings tactical clarity and a strong motivational touch to the group.”
Enter Josephine Mike Ndoumou
A respected figure in Cameroonian football, Josephine Mike Ndoumou combines domestic and international experience.
Josephine Mike Ndoumou
She continues to serve as head coach of FAP Amazone in the Guinness Super League and deputy coach of the senior national women’s team.
Her approach contrasts with her predecessor’s — favouring pace, vertical play, and direct counter-attacks.
“We’ll play with intensity and bravery,” Ndoumou said at the team’s training base in Mohammedia.
“These girls are quick, hungry, and fearless. We want to use that energy to surprise people.”
Her arrival has injected a more aggressive attacking identity, with transitions and wing play expected to be central to Cameroon’s World Cup plan.
Group of Grit and Technique
Cameroon have been drawn into a testing Group B, featuring some of the strongest youth systems in the world:
Korea DPR – Two-time champions, physically imposing, and tactically rigid.
Mexico – Fluid in midfield and clever on set pieces, known for their composure.
Netherlands – Technically disciplined and built on positional play and strong team cohesion.
Each opponent presents a different tactical challenge — from Korea DPR’s press to Mexico’s technical transitions and the Netherlands’ possession dominance.
Players to Watch
Ange Tazanou (F) – The team’s top scorer in qualifying; thrives in open spaces and counter-attacks.
Tiwa Lys Fraîche (MF) – Key in the final third; reads transitions well and has a strong sense of goal scoring.
Béatrice Avana (DF) – Leader at the back; strong in duels and set-piece situations.
Bérénice Ekanga (GK) – Dependable and composed, often the first point of Cameroon’s fast breaks with her distribution.
Tactical Outlook Under Ndoumou
Ndoumou’s Cameroon will be more vertical and direct than under Ndoko. Expect quick transitions from defence to attack, early long passes into space, and wide play exploiting the pace of forwards like Tazanou.
The 4-3-3 formation remains, but with less emphasis on ball circulation and more on defensive compactness and counter-punching.
Against possession-heavy sides like the Netherlands, Cameroon’s success could depend on their ability to break swiftly and convert limited chances.
Match Schedule (Group B)
Date Fixture Venue
5 Oct Cameroon 🇨🇲 vs 🇰🇵 Korea DPR Rabat
9 Oct Cameroon 🇨🇲 vs 🇲🇽 Mexico Marrakech
13 Oct Cameroon 🇨🇲 vs 🇳🇱 Netherlands Casablanca
Kick442.com Prediction
Analysts at Kick442.com believe Cameroon can still be one of the tournament’s surprise packages, despite a turbulent lead-up.
If the Lionesses can use their pace and power to hurt Korea DPR or Mexico, they stand a realistic chance of advancing to the Round of 16.
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