Cameroon write history by sealing main round spot against Paraguay

It was a crucial match for both sides, who were looking for a spot in the main round and the match was tight, but eventually Cameroon sealed a fantastic win against Paraguay, reaching the main round for the first time in history.

Group B
Cameroon vs Paraguay 26:23 (12:12)

Reaching the main round is a huge landmark for the African team, who were unable to progress from the group in any of their three previous participations in the IHF Women's World Championship. Now they will move to Gothenburg and continue the tournament in the Main Round Group I, while Paraguay, who finished bottom of Group B, will play in the President's Cup in Frederikshavn.

Both rivals had lost their previous matches at Denmark/Norway/Sweden 2023. But Cameroon had a slightly better goal difference, so a draw would have been enough for them to go through. However, the African side took an early control of the game, opening up a 6:2 lead eight minutes into the match.

But Paraguay held their nerve, and a few fast breaks helped them to turn the tide and draw level at 8:8. The pendulum went on to swing in the remaining minutes of the first half, so a 12:12 at half-time looked as the fair result.

After the restart, Cameroon had a slight advantage, but were unable to pull clear by more than two goals for a long time. However, Paola Ebanga, who became the top scorer of the game with nine goals, spurred a 3:0 run between minutes 45 and 49, helping the Africans to restore four-goal lead, 22:18.

Propelled by Fernanda Insfran, who ended the game with seven goals, Paraguay again cut the deficit to two goals. But in the crucial minutes, both teams looked nervous and they missed many shots, so the score 24:22 remained unchanged between minutes 54 and 59.

Laeticia Ateba's goal became a relief for the Africans, and although Insfran than netted for Paraguay, Ebanga's ninth goal of the day sealed Cameroon's win, 26:23, making them jump and dance for joy after the final whistle. 

hummel Player of the Match: Paola Ebanga (Cameroon)