2019 Women's World Cup: Cameroon's loss to England ends Africa's journey

By Africanews

Last updated: 13/08/2024

The 2019 Women’s World Cup kicked off last Friday with 24 teams in the race to be crowned “queens” of the game over the month-long tournament in France.

There are 24 teams classed into six groups. Africa’s representatives are Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Banyana Banyana of South Africa and the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon.

The groups with African representatives are as follows:

GROUP A: France (hosts), Korea Republic, Norway, Nigeria

GROUP B: Germany, China, Spain, South Africa

GROUP E: Canada, Cameroon, New Zealand, Netherlands

For the first time, two teams from CAF_Online have qualified from the #FIFAWWC group stages! pic.twitter.com/rtUf8NlnSp

— FIFA Women's World Cup (FIFAWWC) June 20, 2019

In this rolling coverage, Africanews keeps up to date with the major ongoings around the three African teams.

You can read about the following major areas by scrolling below:

Cameroon lose to England

Nigeria vs Germany

Full draw for round-of-16

Nigeria sneaks into knockout as Thailand thwart Chile

Miracle of Montpellier: Cameroon makes knockout round

Cameroon vs. New Zealand – Permutations for Africa

Cameroon ready to face New Zealand

Nigeria beaten by France but could still progress

South Africa’s dismal outing ends with 4 – 0 rout

Nigeria face hosts, South Africa hope to end on a high

Africa’s remaining fixtures as at 15 – 06 – 2019

Cameroon lose to Netherlands

South Africa lose to China

Match Day: South Africa vs. China in Paris

Match Report: Nigeria vs. Korea in Grenoble

Match Report: Cameroon’s narrow loss to Canada

Rolling updates on African representatives

Summary of 8th WWC and France hosting

Match report: South Africa vs. Spain

Match report: Nigeria vs. Norway

Cameroon lose to England

Africa’s participation at the World Cup ended on Sunday with Cameroo’s elimination from the competition after a three – nil loss to England in the round of 16 fixture.

The Indomitable Lionesses fell behind two – nil at half time before conceding a third in the second half.

Houghton scored in the 14th minute whiles White doubled it in added time of the first half. Alex Greenwood put the game beyond Cameroon with a 58th minute strike.

On Saturday, Nigeria’s Super Falcons had also crashed out of the competition after a similar scoreline loss ti Germany.

The two African reps made history with their qualification to the knockout phase – this was the first time Africa had two teams making the round-of-16 stage. The fixtures were seen as a tall order and supporters only hoped for an upset.

Breakdown of Nigerian stats at 2019 Women’s World Cup

Games played: Four

Goals scored: Two (against South Korea)

Goals conceded: Seven

Points gained: Three

Match Scores Group: 0 – 3 vs. Norway, 2 – 0 vs. South Korea, 0 – 1 vs. France

Match Score (round of 16): 0 – 3 vs. Germany

Breakdown of Cameroon stats at 2019 Women’s World Cup

Games: Four

Goals scored: Three (against Dutch, N. Zealand)

Goals against: Eight

Points: 3

Match Scores (group): 0 – 1 vs. Canada, 1 – 3 vs. Netherlands, 2 – 1 vs. N. Zealand

Match score (round of 16): 0 – 3 vs. England

Nigeria vs Germany

Africa’s record champions, Nigeria are hoping the fortunes favor them one more time as they take on Germany at the Stade des Alpes in Grenoble.

It is at this venue that the Super Falcons earned their sole win so far at the tournament, a 2-0 victory over South Korea in the group stages.

In Germany, they face an opponent that has defeated them twice at the Women’s World Cup.

“Germany is definitely one of the strongest teams, they have a lot of good players and they are extremely organised,” said Thomas Dennerby, Nigeria’s head coach.

“Maybe we can have a chance if we defend well to handle the forwards they have today and sooner or later we will get our chance.’‘

What next? Full draw for Round of 16:

Germany v Nigeria (Saturday, June 22)

Norway v Australia

England v Cameroon (Sunday, June 23)

France v Brazil

Spain v USA

Sweden v Canada

Italy v China

Netherlands v Japan

All roads lead to Lyon…#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/lxFg361Upf— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) June 20, 2019

Africa bags historic qualification status

Nigeria’s hopes of qualification were in the balance at the start of two games in Group E and F. The first being Cameroon vs. New Zealand, which saw Cameroon go through.

In the case of the second of Thailand vs. Chile, the Chileans had it all to do but it took a resolute Thai side to hold off the onslaught and help Nigeria through by so doing.

Congrats, NGSuper_Falcons! ??See you in the Round of 16! #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/OEONhzRapY

— FIFA Women's World Cup (FIFAWWC) June 20, 2019

Nigeria can qualify as one of the four third-best teams with the final round of games underway in France.

The game of interest being Thailand vs. Chile. The most likely team to go through being the South Americans. At half time, they are goalless but how can Chile qualify?

They need to close the goal difference gap on Nigeria. At the moment, Chile are lagging behind with -5. Nigeria’s goal difference is currently at -2.

Any victory by a minimum three-goal margin will see Chile move ahead of them. They would equal the goal difference but move ahead on goals scored.

A draw or a defeat for Chile and they would be going home. Thailand would need to win by 15 goals to go through!

Cameroon snatch qualification in victory over New Zealand

Cameroon won a tense game to secure qualification into the knock-out stages of the tournament with a last gasp goal.

The Lionesses scored all three goals in a 2 – 1 victory. The first goal came on the 57th minute mark through Ajara Nchout.

She controlled a ball into the box, with her back to goal and two defenders – Abby Erceg and Anna Green – just behind her. She spun both defenders and then slotted the ball past the goalkeeper.

Near disaster struck on the 80th minute mark as Katie Bowen’s cross was turned in by Cameroon defender Aurelle Awona, for an own goal.

Ajara got her second in injury time with what was the last kick of the game sending Cameroon into the last 16.

“She gets the ball on the edge of the box, cuts inside Ria Percival, then cuts the other way past the defender, composes herself and then guides the ball into the corner of the net,” a BBC commentator said.

That goal was scored with 11 seconds to go. New Zealand meanwhile have to wait longer for their first win at the tournament.

Congrats, FecafootOfficie! ??See you in the Round of 16! #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/A06TbMg58U

— FIFA Women's World Cup (FIFAWWC) June 20, 2019

The #PlayeroftheMatch presented by Visa for #CMRNZL ???? is AjaraNjoya! #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/Xxudmn5TVT— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) June 20, 2019

Analysis: How a Cameroon win could affect Nigeria

With the game currently goaless at half-time: The race to finish in third position is up for grabs in Group E where Netherlands and Canada have already qualified.

For a 24-team tournament, aside the 12 teams that automatically qualify – first and second from the group stages – four other teams get to go through as third best from the groups.

Cameroon and New Zealand stand a chance of taking one of those slots depending on the outcome of today’s fixture.

So far, two of the four third-best slots have been filled by Brazil and China.Nigeria is in contention for one slot with their three points from winning against South Korea.

If Cameroon and New Zealand draw, they are both out. A win for any of them will take the permutations to goals difference and goals scored. If that balances out as per what Nigeria currently has, it will come down to fair play.

The BBC explains the fair play situation as follows: “Nigeria currently have eight disciplinary ‘points’ (one point for a yellow card, three points for a player getting two bookings, four points for a straight red, five points for a yellow and then a straight red). Cameroon have five – and New Zealand have none.”

Cameroon XI: Ngo Ndom, Ejangue, Awona, Johnson, Leuko, Nchout, Feudjio, Yango, Abam, Enganamouit, Onguene.

NZ XI: Nayler, Green, Stott, Erceg, Riley, Chance, Percival, Bowen, Duncan, Gregorious, White.

Other games slated for today are:

Netherlands vs. Canada

Sweden vs. USA

Thailand vs. Chile

Cameroon vs. New Zealand

Cameroon vs. New Zealand is slated for Thursday June 20 at Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier. The Indomitable Lionesses are hoping to record a victory and hopefully make it to the next stage as one of the third best sides.

The mission is however a tall order for a side that has yet to even get a point from their first two games. Losing narrowly to Canada in Montpellier and heavily to the Netherlands – both of whom have already qualified.

The Lionesses however say they are confident of ending the group phase on a high with an emphatic victory.

If they crash out, Africa’s hopes will depend on Nigeria who are also counting on luck to make it to the Round-of-16 stage after three points from three games. South Africa the other African side are already out of the tournament.

☀️26 degrés sont attendus lors du coup d'envoi #CMRNZL, à Montpellier au Stade la Mosson pic.twitter.com/nqstbjNfGs— Cynthia Nzetia, FIFA (@FIFAWWC_CMR) June 19, 2019

Nigeria banking hopes on luck

“The Super Falcons bowed narrowly to the hosts but they produced a glorious showing. They will wait for the outcome of games in the other groups to confirm their place in the last 16,” the official Twitter handle wrote after Monday night’s 1 – 0 loss to France.

The goal was, however, without controversy as a replayed spot kick proved to be the decider of a game the Nigerians had to at least draw to secure a place in the knock out stage.

The French side were awarded a penalty on the 74th minute mark. They failed to convert but the referee ordered a retake after the goalie was penalized for going off her line.

On the second attempt, the French player Renard converted the only goal of the game with Nigeria holding on with ten-men after a player was dismissed for the foul that gave the French the penalty.

“My players are heroes”

- Thomas Dennerby #Team9jaStrong // #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/6kvimiL0uU— Ann Odong, FIFA (@FIFAWWC_NGA) June 17, 2019

South Africa hammered by rampant Germans

South Africa confirmed their exit from the tournament with a 4 – 0 loss to two-time champions Germany. The Banyana Banyana became the first team to officially exit the tournament.

Incidentally they are the only team in Group B to have failed to secure even a point in the group games.

The scored one goal through talisman Kgatlana in the opening game against Spain. They, however, conceded eight times. Three to Spain, one to China and four against Germany.

Breakdown of South Africa’s stats at 2019 Women’s World Cup

Games played: Three

Goals scored: One (against Spain)

Goals conceded: Eight

Points gained: Zero

Match Scores: 1 – 3 vs. Spain, 0 – 1 vs. China, 0 – 4 vs. Germany

We today say farewell to the #FIFAWWC to Banyana_Banyana ??Thank you for your huge contribution to the tournament in your debut! #RSA #RSA #RSA #RSA #RSA #RSA pic.twitter.com/EEl8B6dSkE

— FIFA Women's World Cup (FIFAWWC) June 17, 2019

Nigeria aim for qualification, SA aim to end on a high

Nigeria’s Super Falcons hold Africa’s best chance of progressing to the next stage of the tournament but they have to first secure at least a point against hosts France later today. They have three points from beating South Korea despite an opening day loss to Norway.

On the other hand, South Africa will be playing solely for pride against Germany given that the Banyana Banyana are already out of contention with two losses – to China and Spain.

The third African team will only take to the field on Thursday as Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses line up against New Zealand in their final game. They have also their two games – to Canada and the Netherlands.

ICYMI: #NGA were in great spirits yesterday ahead of their game against hosts #FRA ??FIFAWWC_NGA | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/M8FklQxSH6

— FIFA Women's World Cup (FIFAWWC) June 17, 2019

Match Day!

?? vs ??

Venue: Stade de la Mosson

City: Montpellier

Country: ??

⌚ 18h00#DareToShine #fifawwc #BanyanaBanyana #LeMomentDeBriller SAFA_net bafana_bafana #RSA Banyana_Banyana pic.twitter.com/Hvfua4CMQT

— Banyana_Banyana (Banyana_Banyana) June 17, 2019

Final fixtures for African sides

With virtually extinguished qualification chances for Cameroon’s Lionesses and South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, Nigeria’s Super Falcons remain the brightest chance of an African team progressing.

But they also have to come up against a very tough opponent in the hosts, France, who have already booked their place in the knockout rounds.

Here is the full itinerary for Africa’s next three games:

South Africa vs. Germany

Monday June 17 at Stade Oceane, Montpellier

Nigeria vs. France

Monday June 17 at Roazhon Park, Rennes

Cameroon vs. New Zealand

Thursday June 20 at Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier

Our stars to watch – have each scored so far

South Africa’s Chrestinah Thembi Kgatlana, reigning African Player of the Year

Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala, three-time African Player of the Year

Cameroon’s Gabrielle Aboudi Onguene

READ MORE: All you need to know about 2019 Women’s World Cup

Cameroon fail on must-win Dutch mission

Cameroon took to the pitch on Saturday for their second game of the tournament, taking on European champions, Netherlands at the Stade du Hainaut in Valenciennes.

The Indomitable Lionesses lost their second game by three goals to one after losing their opening game to Japan.

The Dutch took the lead after which Cameroon drew parity through Aboudi Onguene Gabri. The teams went into the half level. But the Dutch added two goals which the Lionesses had no answers to.

They needed a win to keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage alive.

That hope is all but shattered.

‘‘We respect the Netherlands. But that does not mean that this Saturday, we will sit back and admire their play. We will be out to show them what strengths we have,’‘ Henriette Akaba said ahead of the fixture.

Cameroon, made their debut at the World Cup in 2015, they progressed to the round of 16, after wins over Switzerland and Ecuador.

South Africa lose to China

South Africa’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages of the World Cup were shattered by a 0-1 loss to China on Thursday.

China striker Li Ying scored the only goal in the Group B clash at the Parc des Princes, a result that ensured Germany and France progress to the second round.

‘‘They were once again magnificent. We conceded from a set-piece. We lost concentration there. We had ample opportunities,’‘ South Africa’s coach Desiree Ellis said after the game.

Debutants South Africa are now likely out of contention after two defeats, but China face a do-or-die final pool match against Spain on Monday, when they will need victory to progress given their inferior goal difference.

China had the majority of possession in the first half as the South Africans battled to keep hold of the ball, their wayward passing inviting pressure from the Asian side.

The Banyana Banyana’s final game will be against Germany in Montpellier.

Nigeria beat South Korea

The Super Falcons took a first half lead against South Korea in Grenoble when the opponents scored an own-goal thanks to Korea’s Kim Doyeon.

After resumption of the game, Nigeria looked the better side of the two teams and translated their work into a second goal with a huge effort from Asisat Oshoala, increasing the tally to two.

The team held on to the lead and ended the game with three points and a clean sheet after taking three from Norway in their first game. The Super Falcons will now look to the final fixture against France.

They became the first African side to bag three points. South Africa who play tomorrow were beaten 3 – 1 by Spain whiles Cameroon lost narrowly to Canada 1 – 0. Africa has at this stage conceded seven and score three.

I couldn't breathe for 90 minutes.

Full time: #Nga 2-0 #Kor .

Make way ladies and gentlemen…

Africa, We have a Win! #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/hDBF8nKANz— Janine Anthony (@Chiquadiva) June 12, 2019

Nigeria suffers injury blow

The BBC is reporting of some bad news in the Nigerian camp. Veteran defender Faith Michael has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament through injury.

The 32-year-old was stretchered off following a clash with team-mate goalkeeper Oluehi during their 3-0 opening defeat to Norway.

The Super Falcons will now have to attend to Wednesday’s make or break fixture against South Korea without her services.

Match Day: Nigeria takes on Korea after Norway loss

In the city of Grenoble’s Stade de Alpes, Nigeria’s Super Falcons will be looking to do better as they come up against Korea in their second fixture at the tournament.

The first leg drabbing of 3 – 0 at the hands of Norway makes this tie even more crucial given that their final tie will be against hosts, France.

Meanwhile, France plays Norway in NIce today with Germany Spain finishing the day’s set of games. South Africa who lost to Spain will be playing tomorrow.

It's M A T C H D A Y! NGSuper_Falcons continue their FIFAWWC outing today in search of a first win against #KOR.

⏰ 3pm (2pm NGA)

?️ Stade des Alpes, Grenoble

? https://t.co/YHph7HxQxK

#⃣ #NGAKOR

Let's do it, girls!#SoarSuperFalcons #Team9jaStrong #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/CbI7xbnAxv— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) June 12, 2019

Match Report: Cameroon’s narrow loss to Canada

Cameroon, Africa’s third representative at the competition failed to take a point off Canada at the Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier.

The Lionesses succumbed to a 1 – 0 defeat conceding the goal in the latter stages of the first hald.

Cameroon’s Michaela Abam described the fixture as “the day we’ve all been waiting for…to start this journey finally. We ask for all Cameroonians around the world for your continuous support as we continue on this marathon run in this tournament.”

#France2019

Les statistiques du match.