Japan sealed their place in the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup with a 2-1 victory over a brave Cameroon side in Vancouver. The Nadeshiko scored twice in the opening 20 minutes, before the African side pulled one back in stoppage time.
The reigning champions got off to a flying start in their second group stage match. Just 6 minutes had been played when Aye Sameshima tapped in at the far post after good play down the right wing from Nahomi Kawasumi.
The underdogs Cameroon had the support of the crowd as they battled against the skilful Japanese. Christine Manie’s powerful run and cross might have caused problems but the Cameroonians failed to commit numbers into the box.
The Japanese doubled their lead on 17 minutes. A simple short corner routine meant Aya Miyama’s deep cross found Yuika Sugasawa unmarked at the far post, the forward heading into an empty net after Ngo Ndom misjudged the flight of the ball.
Cameroon never looked out of the game and continued to create chances on the counter attack, with Ngo Mbeleck and Gaelle Enganamouit both forcing Ayumi Kaihori, in the Japan goal, into action.
The Africans squandered their best chance just before the break when Madeleine Ngono Mani missed a sitter from 10 yards out after good work from the dangerous Enganamouit.
Cameroon kept pressing in the second half while Japan seemed happy to sit on their two-goal lead. Half time substitute Francine Zouga saw her curling effort sail wide as the crowd increased their support for the Lionesses.
The energetic Cameroonian frontline made life uncomfortable for the Japanese, and a goalmouth scramble nearly resulted in a goal, but Aboudi Onguene couldn’t quite convert.
But in stoppage time another substitute did provide the goal the African side so thoroughly deserved, much to the delight of the fans in the stadium.
Enganamouit picked out Ajara Nchout with a pinpoint through ball and the striker kept her cool to grab a consolation.
The result means Japan become the first side to qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup, and the Nadeshiko will be expected to top the group as they face the struggling Ecuador in their final game.
