Cameroon must control emotions in historic Malawi final, says Colette Ndzana

Cameroon vice-captain Colette Ndzana says the Indomitable Lionesses must use the support of their fans as motivation without allowing it to distract them in Sunday’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 final against Malawi.

Ndzana was speaking at a news conference on Saturday, 15 August, on the eve of the decisive match. She said the backing of the supporters had provided the team with additional energy throughout the tournament, but insisted Cameroon’s priority must remain their tactical plan and the objective of winning the title.

“The public is very important to us. Their support gives us strength and motivation in every match. However, our priority remains to stay focused on our objective. We must remain focused on our game plan and not allow ourselves to be distracted by the atmosphere around us,” said Ndzana.

The defender acknowledged the important role supporters play in the performances of the Indomitable Lionesses, particularly during a final, but called on her team-mates to maintain their concentration regardless of the occasion.

Cameroon are preparing to face Malawi in a final that will be significant for both sides. Ndzana believes the match will demand emotional control as well as discipline, with the team needing to follow their instructions from the opening whistle until the end.

“We greatly appreciate the support of the public, but our mental strength must allow us to stay on course from the beginning to the end. Their support means a great deal, but the most important thing for us is to stay focused, disciplined and fully committed to achieving our objective.”

Her comments underline the balance Cameroon will need to strike at a potentially intense occasion. The supporters’ presence is expected to give the team a strong lift, but Ndzana says the players must ensure that the noise and emotion surrounding the final do not affect their decision-making or their adherence to the plan.

The Indomitable Lionesses can therefore expect substantial backing in their final match. Yet Ndzana says the route to the trophy will depend primarily on concentration, discipline and the players’ ability to carry out their instructions against a Malawi side also preparing to contest a historic final.

For the Cameroon vice-captain, the challenge is to convert public enthusiasm into a positive influence while keeping control of the contest. She wants the team to remain mentally strong throughout the match and fully committed to their objective until the final whistle.