TEAM PROFILE: Cameroon aim to replicate the feats of 2021
While there are changes to the squad, Cameroon fans expect their team to at least match the efforts of two years ago or go even further than the bronze medal they won.
YAOUNDE (Cameroon) - Cameroon will arrive at this year's FIBA Women's AfroBasket in Kigali, Rwanda (28 July - August 5) high on confidence after securing a bronze medal as hosts in 2021.
The Central African nation's history at the competition has shown they can rise to the occasion and compete for the title.
When the competition tips off at the BK Arena in Kigali, those following Cameroon will keenly watch if the team can go a step or two further.
FIBA.basketball looks what Cameroon has to offer ahead of this year's Women's AfroBasket.
Team: Cameroon
Ranking: 43rd in the world and 7th Africa
Last participation in Women's AfroBasket: 2021
Best result at the Women's AfroBasket: Cameroon have one second-place finish (2015) and three third-place finishes (2021, 1984 and 1983).
How they qualified for the 2023 AfroBasket: Cameroon gained automatic qualification to this year's Women's AfroBasket after finishing third in the 2021 event.
Africa: Cameroon have competed in 12 continental championships, and they have participated in a global competition during the 2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Nantes, France where they finished 02 after losses to Argentina and Turkey.
Their top three finishes in the AfroBasket indicate that they can be a force on the continent.
2023 AfroBasket Group: Cameroon are in Group B with Guinea and Mozambique.
Dulcy Fankam
Star Players: WNBA player Dulcy Fankam of the Seattle Storm was one of Cameroon's stars in the 2021 tournament. The 23-year-old has garnered the kind of experience needed to help improve chances in Rwanda.
Marguerite Effa also brought her A-game for her country two years ago, and the expectation is that the forward will raise her game at this year's tournament.
The Spain-based Effa is part of a Cameroon team that has matured and would want to do better than their third-place finish at home.
New addition: American-born point guard Jessica Thomas has played most of her career in Europe. The 28-year-old has played in some of Europe's top competitions (EuroCup and Euroleague), and her addition to the Cameroon team could be a plus.
Ahmed Mbombo Njoya
Coach: Ahmed Mbombo Njoya took on the head coaching job in 2021 after serving as an assistant in 2019. He led the Cameroon team to their Third-Place finish and continues in his role this year.
Outlook: Players like Fankam, Effa and Tia Weledji, who were part of the team that finished third in 2021, have received a call-up for this month's AfroBasket. The trio provide continuity and will help the new faces settle into the setup.
While there are changes to the squad, Cameroon fans expect their team to at least match the efforts of two years ago or go even further than the bronze medal they won.
FIBA