by Agnes Amondi

Cameroon failed to qualify for the Olympics yet again after a scoreless draw in their second leg clash against Chile at the Arslan Zeki Dermici Stadium in Antalya Turkey. This brought the aggregate score of both legs to 2-1 in favour of La Roja Feminina who were 2-1 first leg winners on Saturday at the same venue.

Jose Letelier charges have qualified for their first ever Olympic games and completed the line up of 12 nations, a day after China upset South Korea to seal a ticket to Japan. The Indomitable Lioness of Cameroon’s hunt for a return to the global showpiece continues.

Zambia will be the only African side in Tokyo.

Spirited fight back

In contrast to their first leg display that was pale and lethargic, Alain Djeumfa’s side came out with urgency right from the first kick of the ball. The team managed to hold on to possession, progress the ball forward through various areas of the pitch and put the Chile defence under pressure.

Cameroon needed to score two unanswered goals and were relentless in their pursuit but their efforts bore no fruits. This was a lively performance and perhaps came a little too late for Cameroon.

Chances

Cameroon certainly created goal scoring opportunities. Their first half final third output was certainly higher compared to the first leg. A long range shot by Ajara Njoya, and another by Charlene Meyong were not threatening enough for Christian Endler but showed the visitors intent.

Second half had plenty of opportunities as Cameroon camped on Chile’s half for the better part of the second fourty five minutes.

The highlight of bunch was a fierce shot from Meyong in the 63rd minute which flew just above the cross bar and enough to summon a reaction from Endler. Two minutes later, Brigitte Omboudou receieved a second yellow after she fouled Daniela Zamora at the edge of the box, to make the task even harder for her side.

Despite the set back, Cameroon went on searching for a break through. Atletico Madrid striker Ajara Nchout, who found the net last week, saw her shot saved by Endler before firing her rebound just over the bar. Minutes later, Catherine Mbengono fed Ajara in the box but her shot was comfortably saved.

What next?

After this latest disappointment, Cameroon will now regroup and prepare for the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers which begin later this year.