Heartbreak for Cameroon as late goal seals U17 Women's World Cup exit
Cameroon missed out on a last-16 place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after a late 1–0 defeat to Mexico, a result that ended the Lionesses’ hopes of reaching the knockouts.
Citlalli Reyes struck three minutes from time at the Mohammed VI Football Academy to secure second spot in Group B for El Tri and condemn Cameroon to elimination.
The decisive moment mirrored Mexico’s previous game, when Reyes also netted an 87th-minute winner against the Netherlands.
Here, after a tight contest and rising second-half pressure, the midfielder’s low free-kick squeezed past goalkeeper Princesse Aponfack to settle a contest of fine margins.
An even first half offered few clear chances, with both sides compact and risk-averse as progression scenarios loomed over the group.
Mexico shaded the openings before the break and then tightened their grip after it, pinning Cameroon back for long spells through sustained possession and set-piece pressure.
Cameroon defended stoutly and looked to counter, but struggled to create the gilt-edged chance they needed.
As the clock ticked down, Mexico’s territorial control finally told when Reyes bent her set-piece through a crowded area and inside the near post, sparking celebrations on the Mexican bench and heartbreak for the Central Africans.
The late concession proved a familiar and painful theme for Cameroon at these finals. Head coach Josephine Ndoumou reflected on the exit with a mix of frustration and pride:
“We nearly made it, and I have to admit that I don't know what we were missing because it's always the same scenario," Cameroon head coach Josephine Ndoumou said in the post match interview.
"In the last few seconds of the match, we conceded a goal. Each time, it feels really bad. Despite everything, it's good to have been there and participated. That's something. We don't lose everywhere.”
Mexico advance to the round of 16 with momentum and a growing reputation for clutch moments, while Cameroon depart after competing hard but falling just short when it mattered most.