It is Sunday 21 January and the sun is setting over Yaounde, where the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo is buzzing. This time, however, it is not a searing run by Vincent Aboubakar or a call-to-arms by Gabrielle Aboudi Onguene that has the fans on their feet, but the performance of a young side that is about to make history for Cameroon: the U-20 national women’s team.

After levelling at 1-1 against Egypt, Naomi Eto’s team-mates dropped deep to see out the final moments of a match they were desperate not to lose in front of their families and friends. At precisely 17:07, Suavis Iratunga, the Burundian referee who was officiating, sounded the final whistle, much to the delight of the home side. They had achieved their goal and earned a place at Colombia 2024, where the green, red and yellow of Cameroon would be present at a FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™ for the first time.

On leaving the dressing room, the players spoke to the waiting media in the mixed zone, time and time again expressing their gratitude to one person: coach Hassan Balla. The 37-year-old Cameroonian has imbued the squad with a winning mentality and has lofty ambitions for the team, as he explained in conversation with FIFA.

For the first time in their history, the Indomitable Lionesses have qualified for the U-20 World Cup. Can you share your immediate thoughts?

Hassan Balla: First of all, I’m very satisfied with the team’s conduct and performances during these qualifiers. We started our journey in the second round against Botswana [winning the first leg 2-0 and the second 4-1]. That’s when the girls realised they could qualify. That was important as we had to face Kenya, the country that eliminated our senior team at the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, in the third round. The players showed tremendous spirit, and I saw real Lionesses during our 3-2 second-leg victory.

The only blemish was the 1-1 draw at home to Egypt [in the fourth and final round]. We’d committed to getting six wins from our six games, but unfortunately we eased off in the last game. That lapse is something my staff and I will work on so that the players maintain the same intensity throughout a competition.

What was going through your head as you waited for the final whistle against Egypt?

I was sitting on the bench looking at every one of my players, thinking: ‘Wow, we’re going to do this.’ I was extremely proud of them. When the referee blew for full time, it was sheer joy for the players and fans. That’s the image I have and it’s one I want to keep. It’s definitely the moment that made the biggest impression on me during this qualifying phase.

You are a highly regarded figure in Cameroonian women’s football, having won a string of national titles with AS Awa and Authentic Ladies. Where would you rank this qualification in terms of your career?

It’s the best thing that’s ever happened in my professional life. The World Cup is the highest level and the ultimate consecration, and getting a team there is not easy. When I saw the girls in tears, I knew then it was a landmark achievement.

One of your forwards, Enganemben Toutina, really made her mark during the qualifiers and netted a brace against Kenya in the first leg. How would you describe her?

I had the chance to coach her for two seasons at AS Awa, and she’s a forward who really likes to make runs and operate in the central attacking areas. In terms of her strengths, I’d say her anticipation, physical power and finishing skills.

She’s often compared to Asisat Oshoala. What do you make of the comparison?

In a way, it makes sense, as they have similar playing styles. Asisat Oshoala is a legend of African women’s football and Toutina will have to work hard to get to her level. However, she’s a young girl who has good people around her and the ability to self-evaluate, which is good for her progress.

What will Cameroon’s target be at the World Cup in Colombia?

It’s true that when people think of Cameroon and the Women’s World Cup, they think of the Indomitable Lionesses adventures at Canada 2015 or Ajara Nchout Njoya’s last minute goal that put us into the knockout phase of France 2019. As Cameroonians, we have to be demanding of ourselves. The time for preparation will come soon enough, but, for now, let’s savour and celebrate this historic moment because you don’t qualify for a World Cup every day.