2024 Women’s AFCON : Cameroon’s Disturbing Absence

September 26, 2023 was one of the darkest days in the existence of the Cameroon’s women’s senior national football team. It was the day that the Lionesses were knocked out in the first round qualifiers of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations by Kenya. Cameroon had never missed out on a final phase of this competition since its inception in 1991. 
Winner 1-0 in the first leg, Cameroon fell twice against Kenya. First in regulation time with Shilwatso's goal, aided by an error from the Cameroonian goalkeeper, and then losing 4-3 in penalty shootout. To many fans, it was unbelievable and to a greater extent, unpardonable. 
A majority of pundits are unanimous that this downward performance can be attributed to the fact that while some African countries are working to build solid teams, others are relying on past glories which often fail. Especially with a game like football that is evolving with changing times. The team that won yesterday wears o...