Cape Verde vs Cameroon Women WAFCON Preview
Cameroon are aiming to maintain their 100% record in Group D of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations when they face Cape Verde on Thursday.
The Indomitable Lionesses have looked solid so far and should be too strong for their rivals, who have found things difficult.
Key Stats
- Cameroon have won their two Group D matches.
- Cameroon have won four of their last five matches in all competitions.
- Cape Verde have lost their two Group D matches.
- Cape Verde have lost seven of their last nine matches in all competitions.
No Previous Meetings
This will be the first ever meeting between Cameroon and Cape Verde at this level.
Difficult Campaign for Cape Verde
Cape Verde head into their final Group D fixture off the back of a 3-2 defeat to Mali. Goals from Evy Pereira and Alivia Kelly made the contest intriguing, but they ultimately fell just short.
That was the second straight defeat for Cape Verde following the 2-0 loss to Ghana in their opening fixture. Manager Silveria Nedio will be keen to avoid exiting the tournament empty-handed and will take the positives from the performance against Mali.
While there are positives for Cape Verde, they seem to fall short of the quality required at this level. Their overall form has been poor lately as the Blue Sharks are winless in eight of their last nine matches in all competitions, suffering seven defeats.
Smooth Sailing for Cameroon
Cameroon edged out a 1-0 victory over Ghana in their previous Group D fixture. Marie Ngah’s penalty early in the contest proved to be the difference as they were able to hold on for the win.
The Indomitable Lionesses have now won their opening two matches after kicking off their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Mali. Valentine Nguele’s team are now on the brink of qualifying and only need a point from their final fixture to progress.
Cameroon's impressive performance at the WAFCON is an extension of their overall form heading into the tournament. They have won five of their last six matches in all competitions.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Cape Verde (4-2-3-1): Jacinta Rodrigues; Leonilde Rodrigues, Leidina Semedo, Varsenia da Luz, Eleia Vieira; Alivia Kelly, Larissa Melo; Luriane Tavares, Evy Pereira, Ivania Moreira; Sandra Soares-Martins.
Cape Verde have no injuries or suspensions from their previous fixture. Kelly and Pereira should retain their places in the team after getting the goals last time out, while Semedo is expected to feature at the heart of the defence.
Cameroon (4-4-2): Michaely Bihina; Ivana Yakana, Myriam Nyadjou, Collete Ndzana, Easther Mayi Kith; Achta Toko, Genevieve Ngo Mbeleck, Monique Ngock, Naomi Ndjoah Eto; Grace Mendoua, Marie Ngah.
Cameroon are not expected to ring in the changes for this one, with Ngah likely to lead the line once again alongside Mendoua. Ngock should feature in midfield while Ndzana is set to start at the back.