Les Lionnes Indomptables of Cameroon secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over reigning champions Nigeria to reach the semifinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, according to tournament reporting. The decisive breakthrough came early at the Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, courtesy of a direct free-kick from young midfielder Myriam Maéva Nyadjou. The result ended Nigeria’s reign as a ten-time continental champion and guaranteed Cameroon a spot at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Cameroon Stuns Nigeria to End Ten-Time Champion’s Reign
Facing a Nigerian side that entered the tournament as both the defending titleholder and the most decorated team in African women’s football history, Cameroon delivered a disciplined defensive performance. Afrik.com reported that the Indomitable Lionesses absorbed intense pressure from the Super Falcons throughout the fixture after taking the early lead. Nyadjou’s well-executed set-piece proved to be the only scoring difference in a tense tactical battle.
The clean sheet kept by the Cameroonian defense effectively blunted a Nigerian attack that struggled to find gaps in the final third. By holding firm until the final whistle, Cameroon secured its first appearance in the tournament’s final four in eight years. Beyond the continental milestone, the victory unlocked a coveted automatic qualification berth for the upcoming global showcase in South America.
World Cup Ticket Secured Alongside Semifinal Berth
According to match reports, the victory over Nigeria not only advanced Cameroon to the semifinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations but also confirmed their qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Hosts Morocco Await in Semifinal Showdown
Cameroon’s reward for eliminating the titleholder is a semifinal clash against tournament hosts Morocco. The Lionesses of Atlas earned their place in the final four on Saturday by defeating South Africa 2-1, backed by goals from Sakina Ouzraoui and Hanane Aït El Haj, despite a late response from Thembi Kgatlana.
The upcoming semifinal is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, with kickoff set for 21:00 local time at the Stade Moulay El Hassan in Rabat. While Morocco will enjoy strong home support and the momentum of reaching the final in the previous edition of the competition, Cameroon carries the psychological edge of having dispatched the tournament’s most formidable historical power.
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