Cameroon makes first trip to Women's World Cup in inexperienced group

Cameroon is one of two African teams competing in this summer's World Cup, with Nigeria being the other.

Les Lionnes

made their debut in the 2012 Olympics, but lost all three group games. Cameroon hopes to have a better showing in Canada and although the outlook may seem bleak, the team has a few hidden gem players who could help them pull upsets.

Key Players

Gaelle Enganamouit: The 22-year-old striker scored three of Cameroon's five goals during qualifying and plays professionally in Sweden. She doesn't have much help around her, but is a smart player who makes speedy runs up the middle in the attack.

Christine Manie: One of the team's most experienced players, the Cameroon captain scored the goal — in extra time — that clinched a World Cup spot for Les Lionnes during the African Women's Championship. The defender also played in the 2007 qualifiers and '12 Olympics.

About the team

Coach : Ngachu Enow

Enow is used to leading Cameroon to firsts. This year it's the World Cup, three years ago it was the Olympics. The good thing for this team is Switzerland and Ecuador don't have World Cup experience either, so although Japan will likely win the group, a hiccup by the Swiss and second place is up for grabs.

How they qualified: Finished second in African Women's Championship

Number of appearances: 1

FIFA world ranking: No. 53

Fast fact: Cameroon is an incredibly diverse country, with about 250 ethnic groups speaking 270 different languages.

Schedule (ET)

June 8; 6 p.m., Ecuador, Vancouver

June 12; 9 p.m.; Japan, Vancouver

June 16; 1 p.m.; Switzerland, Edmonton