Cameroon claim second straight win

13 Dec. 2021

Cameroon claim second straight win

Following a win against Islamic Republic of Iran today, Cameroon finished second in the President's Cup Group I with four points. On Wednesday, they will face fellow African team Tunisia in the 27/28 Placement Match. 

PRESIDENT'S CUP GROUP I
Cameroon vs Islamic Republic of Iran 32:17 (14:9)

Cameroon took control early in the game, pulling away to a 5:1 lead as their left wing Claudia Eyenga netted three times by minute 6.

But while 'The Lionesses' had already earned their maiden win at the event, 42:23 against Uzbekistan on Saturday, World Championship debutants Iran were also looking for their first victory at this level. The Asian team used a 3:0 run to close the gap to 4:5.

Their goalkeeper Fatemeh Khalili, who had been named hummel Player of the Match already twice at Spain 2021, did a good job, helping her team to stay in fight. However, Cameroon have more quality and physical power, and a five-goal advantage helped them feel comfortable at half-time.

Laeticia Ateba, Cameroon's top scorer in the match against Uzbekistan with 14 goals, did well in the second half, finishing the game with six goals, one less than hummel Player of the Match Cyrielle Ebanga. 

And as their teammate Noelle Mben made one save after another, the African side scored 10 unanswered goals between minutes 37 and 54, which powered them to a 28:14 lead.

"People of Cameroon can be very proud of us, as we have shown that we have a good team," coach Serge Guebogo said. 

While 'The Lionesses' will play their last match at the World Championship on Wednesday, the competition is over for Iran. The Asian side have lost all their six matches and finished bottom of Group I. However, they are now certain to be ranked 31st, as PR of China have withdrawn from Spain 2021. 

hummel Player of the Match: Cyrielle Ebanga, Cameroon

Photo: RFEBM / J. Navarro