The Under-17 women’s national football team of Cameroon has taken a commanding step towards qualifying for the third and final round of the qualifiers to the 2025 Under-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament. This follows a resounding 5-2 victory recorded over Ethiopia in the first leg of the second-round of the qualifying series.
The thrilling encounter took place at the Olembe Stadium on Saturday March 8, where a massive crowd witnessed an electrifying performance from head c coach Joseph Brian Ndoko’s young squad. Despite the home advantage, the Lionesses were stunned early as Ethiopian captain Hidat Kasu Reda found the back of the net in just the third minute, silencing the jubilant supporters. However, rather than crumbling under pressure, the Cameroonian side responded with unwavering determination. The equalizer came swiftly through Tiwa Melong Lys Fraîche, one of the standout players of the 2023-2024 season, who netted a clinical finish in the 15th minute to level the score at 1-1.
This ignited a surge of confidence within the squad, as Tazanou Ange and Aghogue Crystal further bolstered Cameroon’s lead with two quick goals in the 22nd and 26th minutes, sending the team into halftime with a comfortable 3-1 advantage. Ethiopia emerged from the break with a more defensive approach, determined to limit further damage while seeking opportunities on the counterattack. However, coach Ndoko made crucial substitutions, introducing fresh legs to maintain the attacking intensity. One of these changes, Christiane Kiki Meva, proved pivotal, as she extended Cameroon’s lead in the 71st minute with a well-placed strike.
Not to be outdone, Tiwa Melong Lys Fraîche sealed a sensational brace in the 84th minute, reinforcing her status as a rising star in Cameroonian football. Ethiopia managed a late consolation goal through Lydia Eyasu Sorsa in the 88th minute, but it did little to dampen the Lionesses’ triumph. With a three-goal cushion heading into the return leg, Cameroon has placed itself in a strong position to advance to the next phase of the qualifiers set in the days ahead.
Other results
Nigeria lived up to expectations with a commanding 3-1 victory over South Africa on their home soil. Shakirat Moshood’s brace and Harmony Chidi’s clinical finish ensured the West Africans took full control of the encounter, leaving South Africa with a tough task in the return leg. Kenya’s Junior Starlets delivered a statement performance with a 2-0 win over Uganda in Kampala. Goals from Nasipwondi and Ogola saw the visitors handle the pressure with composure, securing a crucial away victory and a significant advantage ahead of the return leg in Nairobi. In a thrilling contest, Guinea and Sierra Leone played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, setting up an intense second leg.
Both teams showed attacking intent, making the return fixture an exciting prospect as they battle for supremacy. Botswana delivered a disciplined and clinical display to upset Algeria 2-1. Despite controlling possession, Algeria struggled to break down Botswana’s resilient defense and were caught off guard by two well-executed counter-attacks. The Southern Africans now hold a valuable lead heading into the second leg.
