Cameroon became the first debutants to qualify for the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup since Russia back in 1999. The African side came from behind to beat Switzerland 2-1 to set up a last 16 clash with Group A runners up China.
Going into the game, Switzerland and Cameroon both held 3 points but Switzerland’s superior goal difference meant that a draw would see the European’s progress as runners up.
The Swiss began strongly and after just 10 minutes captain Martina Moser’s free kick caught the Cameroonian defence napping, but Ana Maria Crnogorcevic couldn’t quite make contact with the ball.
Ramona Bachmann, who has proved to be one the tournament’s most dangerous forwards, could’ve added to her 3 tournament goals on 20 minutes, after some sloppy defending from Cameroon gifted the Rosengard striker possession inside the 18-yard box, but Annette Ngo Ndom in the Cameroon goal did enough to prevent an opening goal.
However, the Cameroon keeper was beaten 4 minutes later, with Bachmann again at the heart of the attack, following a darting run to the by-line and a perfectly placed pull back for Crnogorcevic who slotted past Ngo Ndom.
Cameroon, who won the hearts of the Canadian crowd with their battling performance against Japan in Vancouver, kept pressing but were limited to half chances in the first half. Gaelle Enganamouit again proving to be the Lionesses’ main threat.
At the other end, Switzerland might have doubled their advantage when Fabienne Humm’s six-yard header appeared to be goal bound, but Ngo Ndom produced a fantastic reflex save to deny the FC Zurich forward and keep her side in the game at half time.
Cameroon coach Enow Ngachu must have given a rousing team talk at the break as his players appeared inspired in the second half.
Just two minutes after the restart, a seemingly harmless low ball into the Swiss box evaded a number of defenders and resulted in an equaliser for Cameroon despite Enganamouit mistiming her finish. Luckily Gabrielle Onguene was ready on the penalty spot behind her to lash the ball into the bottom corner.
Cheered on by a colourful contingent, the Cameroonians continued to worry the Swiss backline. Just past the hour mark Onguene’s driving run and cross was met with a powerful header by substitute Madeleine Ngono Mani to complete the comeback.
Switzerland pushed for the all-important equaliser but met a determined Cameroon defence. On the counter-attack, Enganamouit came close to adding a third but was denied by the fingertips of Gaelle Thalmann. As it was the game finished 2-1 and the winning side couldn’t have been happier.
“We are excited and very happy for this victory to take us through to the second round,” said Cameroon coach Enow Ngachu.
“This performance will have a positive impact for women’s football in Cameroon. We were not just defending the colours of Cameroon, but also of Africa,” he added.
Meanwhile Swiss boss Martina Voss-Tecklenburg admitted her side didn’t do enough over the course of the 90 minutes. “We got into the game very well initially and we performed many aspects of our game correctly. But we did miss a lot of opportunities, and after our opponent scored there was certain insecurity from us.”
