Cameroonian fans have attacked the home of Gaelle Enganamouit after she missed a penalty against Nigeria during the semi-finals of the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON).
Enganamouit’s missed spotkick led Nigeria to earn a 4-2 win to qualify for Saturday’s final as well as a place at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
Cameroon’s head coach, Joseph Ndoko, has told BBC Sport that the player’s family members have said that ‘people threw rocks at the family house and then threatened to return.’
“It is a very unpatriotic and outrageous act that some persons will attack Gaelle’s home because of the penalty miss,” said Ndoko.
“It is football and things like this happen. It could’ve gone either way but I hope people still remember all the good times and realise that these players are fighting for the honour of an entire country.”
“Obviously she will be wondering if her mother or siblings are alright. This is just very annoying and isn’t the right way to prepare for such an important game.”
Additionally, fellow teammate Nchout Njoya Ajara, said the whole squad has been saddened by the events.
“It is traumatising when you read that the people you’re fighting for can’t forgive you for a mistake. It is pathetic and things like this can make you think twice when you’re called up to the national team.”
“We choose to fight for our country, to make our compatriots proud but when such things happen, we start doubting if we made the right choice.”
“Everyone is saddened by the loss to Nigeria but we still have a chance to qualify for the 2019 World Cup. If we can beat Mali we will be in the global tournament for the second time and that is very important,” Ajara said
