FIFA Women's World Cup playoffs: Cameroon beat Thailand to keep hopes alive.

The Indomitable Lionesses defeated Thailand 2-0 in the semi-final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup playoff on Saturday February 18.

The game which counts for the final qualifying tournament was played at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand.

It was a hard-fought win for the 2016 vice African champions against their South Americans rivals.

Both teams, who are eying their third straight participation at the 2022 FIFA Women’s World Cup, struggled to take the lead in a highly disputed game.

The game was meandering towards the end goalless before Aboudi Onguene came off the bench to score a second half brace.

The super-sub opened the scoring in the 79th minute when she tapped in from close range, after connecting with a squared pass from Ajara Nchout.

The CSKA Moscow forward in Russia, later sealed the win with a fine low drive, three minutes later.

There was time for some late drama in the later stages of the game.

Team Cameroon was reduced to 10 players deep into stoppage time when goalkeeper, Ange Bawou was sent off after a lengthy VAR check for a foul on Jiraporn Mongkoldee.

Cameroon will now face Portugal in an inter-continental Group B playoff final.

The game against the Seleccao das Quinas, who are chasing their maiden World Cup appearance, is scheduled for Wednesday February 22 still at the Hamilton stadium in New Zealand.  

Cameroon women’s national team must win against Portugal to qualify for their third consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The 2016 vice African champions made their World Cup debut in 2015, when Canada staged the event. They were also part of the 2019 edition in France. They’ve reached the round of 16 on both occasions.

It should be recalled that, Cameroon missed out of one of the four automatic tickets for the quadrennial global showpiece, during the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

This came after a routine defeat to rivals Nigeria.

They however kept their dream of a third consecutive berth alive after a 1-0 win over Botswana. The win enabled them advance to the intercontinental playoff.

Cameroon’s qualification for the World Cup will increase the number of African nations set to participate at the tournament.

Four nations shall represent the continent. Amongst the already qualified teams qualified, two will make their debuts. That is Zambia and Morocco.

African champions South Africa and Nigeria also booked their spots.

The 2023 Women’s World Cup will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The tournament which is in its 9th edition is scheduled to take place from July 20 to August 20.

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be the first to have more than one host nation.

Also, this tournament will be the first to feature the expanded format of 32 teams, from the previous 24.