By Angu Lesley
Cameroon’s Under-20 women’s national team took a commanding step towards qualification for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026, cruising to a 5–0 victory over Botswana in the first leg of their third-round qualifier at the Olembe Stadium.
The Young Lionesses dominated proceedings from the outset and were rewarded in the 20th minute when Effa Essomba calmly converted a penalty to give the hosts the lead. Her influence in midfield set the tone for a confident and controlled Cameroonian performance.
Cameroon doubled their advantage ten minutes later through Beverly Chloe Nimpa, whose composed finish capped a strong first-half display by the home side.
After the interval, Cameroon continued to dictate the tempo. Assako Mekoa extended the lead in the 55th minute, before Aurore Tsimi added a fourth goal with a well-taken strike in the 67th minute. The scoring was completed by Ngo Bilong, sealing a comprehensive victory.
The emphatic result places Cameroon firmly in control of the tie ahead of the second leg in Francistown on 13 February, where Botswana face a daunting task to overturn the deficit.
Cameroon are now well-positioned to progress as they chase qualification for next year’s finals in Poland.
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