Morocco vs Cameroon Women WAFCON Preview
Morocco and Cameroon will be eyeing a place in the final of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations when they meet in a semi-final clash on Wednesday.
Both teams have experience at this level and could be set for a closely fought encounter, which is likely to produce few goals.
Key Stats
Two of Morocco’s last three matches have produced under 2.5 goals.
Cameroon's last three matches have produced under 2.5 goals.
The two previous meetings between both teams produced under 2.5 goals.
Two Previous Meetings
There have been two previous friendly meetings, with both teams claiming one win each. Morocco earned a 1-0 victory in 2021 while Cameroon secured a similar result last year.
Another Semi-Final Berth for Morocco
Morocco have been the model of consistency in recent years as they are set to play a third consecutive WAFCON semi-final. The Atlas Lionesses reached the final on the two previous occasions and will be targeting a repeat this year.
It has been a solid campaign for Morocco, who are unbeaten in four matches so far at the WAFCON, picking up three wins in this run. They reached the semi-final after claiming a 2-1 victory over South Africa, with goals from Sakina Ouzraoui and Hanane Ait El Haj earning them the win.
Morocco have been disciplined at the back in this competition and only conceded their first goal against South Africa. That defensive solidity has ensured two of the last three matches for Jorge Vilda produced under 2.5 goals.
Cameroon Back in Contention
Cameroon are in the semi-finals of the WAFCON on their return to the tournament after missing the previous edition. The Indomitable Lionesses have a solid record in this competition, having reached the final on four previous occasions.
Like the hosts, Cameroon have also enjoyed a fine WAFCON campaign this year, with three wins and a draw from four matches so far. An early effort from Myriam Nyadjou earned them a 1-0 win over defending champions Nigeria last time out and a place in the semi-final.
Another similarity with Morocco is Cameroon's defensive organisation, and they will take confidence from shutting out the defending champions last time out. The last three matches for Valentine Nguele's team have produced under 2.5 goals.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Morocco (4-2-3-1): Khadija Er-Rmichi; Hanane Ait El Haj, Maryame Atiq, Nouhalia Benzina, Zineb Redouani; Yasmine Mrabet, Elodie Nakkach; Sakina Ouzraoui, Ghizlane Chebbak, Sanaa Mssoudy; Ibtissam Jraidi.
Jraidi was a second-half substitute last time out and could return to lead the line on Wednesday. Nakkach should line up in midfield while Atiq and Benzina are expected to continue their central defence partnership.
Cameroon (4-3-3): Michaely Bihina; Ivana Yakana, Myriam Nyadjou, Easther Mayi Kith, Collete Ndzana; Charlene Meyong, Monique Ngock, Achta Toko; Naomi Ndjoah Eto, Marie Ngah, Grace Mendoua.
Cameroon are likely to retain much of the team that got the victory over Nigeria. Ngah should feature in attack once again, with Mendoua and Ndjoah Eto providing support while Nyadjou is set to continue at the back.