Ndzana injury leaves Cameroon weighing options before Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final

Cameroon captain Colette Ndzana is facing a late fitness test ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against hosts Morocco, with the match scheduled for 21:00 tonight.

The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) confirmed early on the day of the game that Ndzana suffered an injury during the quarter-final victory over Nigeria. The 32-year-old, who wears the captain’s armband and usually starts at left-back, is now a doubt for one of the most important matches of Cameroon’s tournament.

Ndzana was assessed by the medical team immediately after sustaining the injury. Further examinations were carried out to establish the seriousness of the problem, but the initial verdict has left her availability for the Morocco match uncertain.

Her potential absence would represent a significant setback for the Indomitable Lionesses. Ndzana is one of the senior figures in the squad and has played an important role in guiding a relatively young group through the competition.

As well as providing defensive strength, she is highly involved in Cameroon’s play down the left side. Her experience, authority and leadership have made her an influential presence both on the pitch and inside the dressing room. If she is ruled out, the team would lose more than an established defender for the meeting with Morocco.

The technical staff must now prepare alternatives in case Ndzana is unable to play. The coach has several possible solutions available to cover her absence, although none can fully replace the experience and influence she brings to the side.

Cameroon have only a few hours to respond to the news and complete their preparations for the semi-final. The challenge is heightened by the fact that they will face Morocco on home soil, with the hosts standing between the Indomitable Lionesses and a place in the final.

The next medical update is expected in the coming hours. Until then, Cameroon will wait anxiously to discover whether their captain can recover in time to take part.

Ndzana’s fitness will be one of the key issues surrounding the build-up to the game, with her involvement likely to shape the selection and tactical plans of the technical staff. For a Cameroon side preparing for a decisive encounter, the final assessment of their captain could have major consequences.