Onguene makes history with 8th WAFCON appearance
Representing one’s country at the international level is always an honour. To do it a record eight times at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) means that Gabrielle Aboudi Onguene has entered a league of her own.
The 37-year-old Cameroonian star etched her name in African Football history with this feat as the Indomitable Lionesses saw off Mali 2-1 in a tightly contested match at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Under the bright lights of the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Wednesday night, Aboudi Onguene warmed up with short sprints in the 87th minute as she waited patiently for fourth official Akhona Makalima to signal for the change and when she came on, the impact was instant.
Her teammates on and off the field cheered her on as Cameroon looked for a third goal to kill the game off. She caused quite a stir on the left wing in the last few minutes of the game while on the pitch and almost recorded an assist but the Malian defense was quick to clear the ball.
“It is an honour for me to be here, to play the game that I love, that has given me so much. To represent Cameroon has been a dream come true over the years,” Onguene revealed after the game with an ear-to-ear smile.
The forward, who made her WAFCON debut back in 2008, has steadily built her profile across the continent as a fine finisher, a leader on and off the pitch and an inspiration to many across the African continent and not just in Cameroon.
What is the secret?
“Discipline has been at the center of everything that I do. I take good care of my body and I always make sure that I eat very well and rest too. This is important in professional football,” she told CAFOnline.
Scouted as a teenager, Aboudi Onguene’s football was easy on the eye. Skilled and a straightup go-getter who yearned to play at the biggest stages of world football. That little girl knew that with hard work, she would one day achieve her objective.
“It has been a long journey since 2008. When I remember coming on for a few minutes, I am left truly grateful for that single opportunity to showcase my talent and thereafter working hard to be consistent and be a regular on the national team,” the strong-willed forward emphasized.
Douala’s Finest to the World
With a massive grin on her face, Aboudi Onguene said, “I am from Douala. You know Douala has produced many stars and I am proud to be from this beautiful city.”
The list is long – Samuel Eto’o, Patrick Mboma, Alex Song, Carlos Baleba and Carlos Kameni. Globally recognized names. But Aboudi Onguene does not play for fame but rather to fulfill a childhood dream – to play football, the beautiful game that has seen her travel the world and do what she loves most.
From inspiring Cameroon to win gold at the 2011 All Africa Games in Mozambique to competing at the London 2012 Olympics where she scored her nation’s only goal at the tournament, she has traversed the world and shown the power of football.
Three years later, she was part of the historic squad that featured at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada where Cameroon qualified for the Round of 16 at the first time of asking. Her goal against Switzerland in a 2-1 win ensured that she will always be remembered when that tournament is up for discussion.
And when Cameroon hosted the WAFCON in 2016, Aboudi Onguene was at the height of her playing career and despite losing the final to Nigeria 1-0, she was named Best Player of the Tournament. She then made a second appearance at the following FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019 scoring against the Netherlands.
An inspiration to young girls and boys in Africa and world over
A three-time Cameroon topflight champion with Louves Minproff before heading to Rossiyanka in Russia and then later CSKA Moscow, Aboudi Onguene has continued to thrive in Europe while shining at national team level.
“My message to especially young girls is to work hard and be consistent. Discipline is always key and I always tell my teammates both on the national team and at club level that this can help us go far on this football journey,” she said reflectively.
Monique Ngock, who follows Onguene everywhere she goes so as to learn from her, told CAFOnline that, “She is a legend. Just being in her presence, I am learning a lot. I admire her and we are honoured to have her on our team.”
Ngock accompanied Aboudi Onguene and head coach Dimitri Lipoff to the pre-match press conference where the media celebrated the former for her achievement. Lipoff said, “When you have an experienced player like Gabrielle, her experience comes in handy.”
Perhaps that explains the pride and joy Aboudi Onguene felt when Ngock assisted Marie Manga’s first goal with a carefully placed pass right into the latter’s path, chest control and the back of the net. Both the pass and goal made it to the highlights thanks to the technique involved.
With three points in the bag, Cameroon take on Ghana in their next Group D fixture on August 2 at Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca at 18h00 local time (17h00 GMT).
