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With the FIFA Women’s World Cup beginning this Saturday, we look at the teams in Group C; which players could shine and help their nation to progress to the knockout stages and beyond.
CAMEROON – 250/1
Canada 2015 welcomes another first timer in Cameroon. Les Lionnes booked their World Cup place by finishing as runners-up in the 2014 African Women’s Cup after Desire Oparanozie and Asisat Oshoala gave fellow qualifiers Nigeria a 2-0 victory.
Coach Enow Ngachu took charge of Cameroon in 2012 and prefers a defensive tactic in the attempt to win games from the back. 30 year old Annette Ngo Ndom won the African Women’s Cup Goalkeeper of the Tournament award, while captain Christine Manie led Les Lionnes defence, concededing only four goals in the five games of the competition.
Cameroon can rely on 31 year old forward Madeleine Ngono Mani, with 38 goals in her 72 appearances for Les Lionnes, she is the perfect striker in Ngachu’s rather withdrawn approach to Football. Ngachu can also call upon Gabrielle Onguene, 26 and rising star Gaelle Enganamouit, 22, if anything should happen to Ngono Mani.
Overall Cameroon have a highly experienced squad whom most have already appeared at the world stage by representing their nation in the London 2012 Olympic games.
ONE TO WATCH – MADELEINE NGONO MANI
With her vision and physical approach, Ngono Mani is a formidable opponent for any defender and will be key to Les Lionnes gaining any success in Canada.
FIXTURES
08 JUNE 00:00 ECUADOR BC Place Stadium, Vancouver
12 JUNE 03:00 JAPAN BC Place Stadium, Vancouver
16 JUNE 22:00 SWITZERLAND Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton
