Sports

U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers: Cameroon close to securing second round ticket after humiliating Egypt.

by Dewah Fabrice Teh
16 Jan 2025 20:10
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U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers: Cameroon close to securing second round ticket after humiliating Egypt

Tazanou Ange scored a hattrick and provided an assist as the Under-17 women’s national football team of Cameroon defeated their counterpart of Egypt in the first leg, first round of African zonal qualifiers for the 2025 Under 17 Women’s World Cup.

The match was played at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on Sunday January 12.

The Under 17 Lionesses coached by Joseph Ndoko gave the best account of themselves in the fixture.

Cameroon’s victory over Egypt was masterminded by Bansoa Sports Academy’s 16-year-old goal-scoring machine, Tazanou Ange.

She scored the Lionesses first goal on 25 minutes before setting up her teammate, Ntsongo Nkoussa Divine for the second goal at the 28th minute.

Tiwa Melong Lys Fraiche who plays for Guinness Super League club, Lekie Filles Football Club also entered her name on the score sheet.

The striker scored from the penalty spot, after Tazanou Ange was fouled in the Egyptian 18 metres yard. Cameroon went on break with a comfortable 3-0 lead.

The girls of coach Ndoko resumed action with the determination to get more goals and secure a large margin win.

Tazanou was on target again as she scored a brace at the 72nd and 84th minute to conclude Cameroon’s fine win.

The U17 Lionesses who are back home will continue preparations for the second leg fixture scheduled for the Kuekong Stadium in Bafoussam on Saturday January 18.

Morale-boosting win for Lionesses

The first leg victory over Egypt serves as major morale booster for the Cameroon selection, as they prepare for return match.

The victory is expected to help strengthen the morale of the players before they meet more dreaded teams Uganda and Kenya that have in recent years, built extremely strong youth women’s football systems.

Cameroon will be pitted against Ethiopia in the second round of the qualifiers and will face the likes of Uganda or Kenya in the third and final round.

Most of the players presently in camp with the U17 Lionesses are currently leaving their first international experience.

A total 11 of the 15 players who featured in Sunday’s game against Egypt were playing their first international match for Cameroon.

The 2025 U17 FIFA Women’s World Cup will take place in Morocco in October and November.

Cameroon is seeking to make its third appearance at the global age-group competition. The team has not been able to qualify for the World Cup since 2018.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3338 of Tuesday January 14, 2025