The Scorpion queens of Gambia and the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon will face off in the Second Round first-leg of the 2022 African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualifiers in Yaoundé on Friday, February 19.
The Gambian team, who are seeking their first AWCON appearance in history, arrived in Cameroon early Wednesday with 23 players (four foreign-based) and conducted their first training session.
The 23 players include the country’s all-time leading scorer Adama Tamba, FC Luzern’s Haleema Hamilton Froiland and Ida Mbye, who all play in Europe.
Gambia progressed to the second round following a 3-1 aggregate win against Sierra Leone and will be looking to continue their progressive run.
“Cameroon is one of the best teams in the continent but football has changed,” Coach Mariama Sowe told CAFOnline. “If you reflect back on the recent AFCON in Cameroon the Scorpions beat countries that nobody expected so this shows you that football has moved to another level.”
“Against Cameroon, we are going all out to face them and we’re ready to collect a victory from them and come home to repeat it hopefully,” Sowe said.
“During the training session the girls were all happy and their first leg bonuses were given to them and everyone was happy about that, which is a very good start.
“The atmosphere in the camp shows you we’re in high spirits and we’re prepared to face Cameroon.
“The captain Penda Bah is in town and we’re expecting to have Adama Tamba before we travel which will boost the morale of the girls.”
Cameroon on the other hand are looking to make their 13th AWCON appearance. The Indomitable Lionesses are one of the best performing teams on the continent, finishing as runners-up in 1991, 2004, 2014, and 2016.
They will travel to Banjul for the decisive return leg on February 23.
