By Jean-Damien LesayPosted on 20-06-2019Modified on the 20-06-2019 at 20:14
Cameroon, dominating technically, won on the wire against New Zealand (2-1) thanks to a doubled Ajara Nchout. A victory synonymous with qualifying for the round of 16, the second in two participations.
From our special correspondent in Montpellier
At the kick-off of this third and final match in group E of the first round of the Women's World Cup, the data are simple for the players of Cameroon: it is necessary to win in Montpellier against New Zealand for to qualify. You are given the calculations of apothecaries caused by the regulation. And it is by the smallest of the gaps that the Lionesses have imposed themselves ... in stoppage time.
Under a heavy weather and in front of a small affluence at the stadium of La Mosson (8.009 spectators), Cameroon took the game at the beginning of the match against a technically limited opponent. Then begins the festival Gabrielle Onguéné. The Cameroonian wisp, promoted captain in the absence of Christine Manie, tries a cross shot at the entrance of the area that passes next to the New Zealand cage while goalkeeper Erin Nayler seemed beaten (12th). The same, in the 18th minute, is on the verge of concretizing on a lob ... the two fingers being those of the great Nayler who deflects the ball from the way of the goal.
In the middle of the first period, the Lionesses have control over the meeting and only a few inaccuracies in the transmission prevent them from being more dangerous. One finds then Onguéné who, served in the depth by Feudjio, fails of a nothing to recover the leather face Nayler, well out (30e). And that's about all that Cameroon demonstrates until the break. New Zealanders are slowly gaining confidence and approaching Ngo Ndom's cage several times, to the point of forcing the latter to make some good outings.
The double of Ajara Nchout
At the beginning of the second half, Oceanian women are the first to carry the ball into the opposing penalty area. The Cameroonians react quickly, again by Gabrielle Onguéné who multiplies the calls and fails shortly before New Zealand goals, where there is always a foot to remove the ball when arming his shot.
The light finally comes from Ajara Nchout who gets a ball back to the goal before turning around to mislead Erin Nayler (57th, 1-0). Taking advantage of space in the opposing defense, and under the impetus of Onguéné, the Cameroonian fail by three times a few meters from Nayler goal that comes out for the occasion several class stops to the ground (64th).
As for the New Zealanders, they try with their weapons, like a head of Hannah Wilkinson on a corner diverted right flush with his right post by Anette Ngo Ndom (74th). Then the cold shower arrives. On a center depth she is preparing to clear easily, Aurelle Awona completely unscrews his shot and beats his goalkeeper (1-1, 80th). In a tense end to the match, after five minutes of extra time, Ajara Nchout shot to the goal, hook and hit. Cameroon is delivered, Cameroon is qualified after a crazy scenario.
The players of Alain Djeumfa qualify for the second time for the knockout stages of the World Cup. They should face England in Valenciennes next Sunday. Unless the result of the Chile-Thailand match leads them to France ...
►The calendar of results of the World Cup here: http://graphics.rfi.fr/coupe-du-monde-feminine-france-2019-calendrier-resultats/
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