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Cameroon 2-1 New Zealand
New Zealand entered this Women’s World Cup in the hopes they would get their first-ever win and perhaps a trip to the Round of 16. They will have to wait four more years for both as Cameroon’s Ajara Nchout scored late in stoppage time to defeat New Zealand, 2-1. The loss eliminated the Football Ferns while Cameroon advanced as one of the four third-place teams and will face England on Sunday.
Both teams needed a win to have any hope of advancing. A two-win by either side would guarantee passage to the Round of 16 while a draw would guarantee elimination for both teams.
Nchout gave the Indomitable Lionesses the lead in the 57th minute. New Zealand’s hopes were lifted when Aurelle Awona put the ball in her own net in the 80th minute. Both teams pressed for a winner, but it would finally come for Cameroon as Nchout got into the box and dribbled past New Zealand defender for the winning goal and what would be the last kick of the match.
The win itself was enough for Cameroon to advance as they finished ahead of Nigeria on goals scored and eliminated Argentina in the process (who would’ve been eliminated anyway as they needed this and the Chile-Thailand matches to end in draws which neither one did).
New Zealand had the heart, but did not have the precision to score enough goals and in the end, they are left still wanting their first Women’s World Cup win. They are among the bidders for the 2023 edition of the Women’s World Cup alongside Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Australia, Colombia, Japan, South Africa, and a possible joint-bid by South and North Korea. It could be the biggest win of all for the Football Ferns if they win the right to host the next edition. That will be announced on March 20th of next year.
Culture
Women's World Cup
