The Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon will miss out on the 2023 FIFAWWC following a 2-1 loss to Portugal on Wednesday.
Africa fantasized about the idea of five representatives at the newly expanded FIFAWWC tournament, but it wasn’t to be as Portugal sealed qualification in dramatic fashion.
The Portuguese went ahead in the encounter in the 22nd minute and from then on, Cameroon toiled for an equaliser. Chances were few and far between but the pressure eventually paid off for the Lionesses late in the game when Ajara Njoya Nchout found the back of the net. But the celebrations were cut short as Portugal earned themselves a penalty in the 94th minute of added time which they converted, leaving Cameroon heartbroken, and out of the race for a place in Australia/New Zealand 2023.
This loss means two of Africa’s regular representatives at the FIFAWWC, Senegal and Cameroon will miss the 2023 FIFAWWC when the finals kick-off later in the year. Having all qualified automatically through the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) – Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia and Morocco, will represent Africa when the tournament kicks-off.
Following their victory over Cameroon, Portugal will take up the final spot in Group E where they will face reigning world champions, the United States of America, 2019 finalists Netherlands and debutants Vietnam.
Similarly, Haiti also defeated Chile 2-1 in the second FIFAWWC playoff final, courtesy of a Melcie Durmonay brace. Haiti will make her debut on the world stage in Group D of the FIFAWWC where they have been grouped with European champions England, 1999 runner-up China, and two-time quarterfinalists Denmark.
The final FIFAWWC spot will be decided on Thursday when Panama plays Paraguay. The winner of this tie will go on to play two-time medalists Brazil, Jamaica and two-time quarterfinalists France in Group F.
