Algeria Women Stun Cameroon in Gritty 1-0 WAFCON Win

Algeria Women produced a disciplined and hard-fought performance to beat Cameroon Women 1-0 in their CAF Women's African Cup of Nations group-stage clash on 28 October 2025. The Desert Queens rode a second-half breakthrough and a wall of defensive resilience to claim three crucial points on a night when the Lionesses failed to find their attacking rhythm.

Match Overview

The match kicked off at 22:30 and unfolded as a cagey contest between two sides eager to control the midfield. Cameroon dominated possession for long spells, but Algeria’s compact low block nullified the Lionesses' width and forced them into hopeful crosses. Algeria, by contrast, grew more dangerous on the counter-attack as the game progressed, eventually punishing Cameroon with a decisive finish late in the second half.

Key Moments

• Algeria's winner: A lightning counter-attack in the 74th minute caught Cameroon's defence out of shape, with the Algerian forward slotting past the onrushing goalkeeper for the only goal of the match.
• Cameroon's late push: The Lionesses threw bodies forward in the final ten minutes, forcing two sharp saves from the Algerian keeper and seeing a header cleared off the line in stoppage time.
• Resilient Desert Queens: Algeria won every second ball in the closing stages, stifling Cameroon's attempts at a late equaliser.

Tactical Story

Cameroon’s preference for patient build-up was neutralised by Algeria’s narrow midfield diamond, which forced turnovers in dangerous central areas. Algeria's full-backs tucked in to create a bank of four, leaving Cameroon to attack down wide areas without real penetration. When the home side pushed higher searching for an equaliser, Algeria exploited the space behind with quick transitions—a plan they executed to perfection with the game's only goal.

Important Result for Group Standings

This result gives Algeria Women a massive early boost in the tournament standings, especially with deeper group games still to come. For Cameroon, the defeat means they must respond quickly to avoid any risk of an early exit from the competition. The fixture highlighted just how competitive the CAF Women's African Cup of Nations has become, as all teams are capable of delivering surprise results on their day.

Both sides now turn their focus to their upcoming group fixtures, knowing that every point could prove decisive in the race for the knockout rounds.