Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Cameroon’s hopes of returning to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for 2026 were dashed this Tuesday, marking the second consecutive time the Indomitable Lionesses have failed to qualify. A 3-1 aggregate defeat to Algeria has left the team and its supporters reeling with disappointment.
In the aftermath, coach Jean-Baptiste Bisseck offered a reaction that many described as “bizarre,” defending his professional approach while addressing criticism over his visible response following the elimination.
“Which coach can jump on tables with a smile because they lost a qualification? The job of a coach is to build their record alongside the players, but the coach doesn’t play,” Bisseck said.
“Now, if you have a lot of friendship with some players whose names you mention, I also have young players who have never played and dream of competing at this WAFCON. I myself have never participated in a WAFCON final phase—I would also like to.”
“Now, if you are playing on emotion, this is not the moment for me to show emotion. I do my job, that’s what I told you. No one can jump around, we only have regrets.”
“But is that Jean-Baptiste Bisseck’s problem? If you have a magic wand, remove me and coach, then you’ll see if it will work.”
The comments come amid growing scrutiny over Cameroon’s performance at the continental level, where the women’s team has traditionally been a powerhouse. Fans and analysts are questioning whether the Lionesses’ strategy, player selection, and preparation have kept pace with the rapid development of women’s football across Africa.
Bisseck, who took charge amid high expectations, emphasized the emotional toll of the sport while defending his professional approach. His remarks suggest a desire to separate personal feelings from coaching responsibilities, highlighting the challenges of nurturing young talent and managing pressure in a high-stakes environment.
For Cameroon, the consecutive failures carry heavy consequences. Missing out on WAFCON 2026 not only denies the Lionesses a chance to compete at the continent’s premier stage but also eliminates any chance of participating in the 2027 Women’s World Cup—an outcome that has reignited debate over leadership and planning in Cameroonian women’s football.
As the nation reflects on what went wrong, Bisseck remains steadfast. His message to critics: the solution is not as simple as replacing the coach; systemic changes may be needed to restore Cameroon to the summit of African women’s football.
The road ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Lionesses’ quest for redemption begins now.
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