Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
The Netherlands U-17 women’s team held their nerve to defeat Cameroon 4–3 in a thrilling FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup group-stage clash, despite being pegged back three times by a fearless young Lionesses side on Saturday at the Mohammed VI Football Academy Pitch 2 in Salé.
It was a game that had everything — goals, drama, and relentless energy — as both teams showcased the attacking flair that has defined this tournament.
Ruthless Dutch start
The Dutch started with authority and wasted little time stamping their control.
Only two minutes in, Lotte Pennock fired the Europeans ahead, finishing coolly from an Anouk Gelevert assist after crisp build-up play.
Four minutes later, it was Romy Dap who doubled the lead at 6’, pouncing on a defensive lapse to make it 0–2, leaving Cameroon stunned and momentarily chasing shadows.
But the young Lionesses found their rhythm, roared on by their bench and the lively crowd.
Cameroon fight back
At 14 minutes, Cameroon halved the deficit when Diane Tsongo, assisted by Clarisse Aghogue, finished off a swift counterattack — a moment that reignited belief.
Just as Cameroon looked to settle, the Netherlands restored their two-goal cushion at 43’, courtesy of Tess van der Vliet, who finished smartly to make it 1–3.
However, Cameroon refused to bow. Seconds before half-time (45’), Lidwine Tiwa pulled one back with a composed effort, reducing the gap to 2–3 at the break and setting up a pulsating second half.
Second-half fireworks
The Cameroonians emerged from the tunnel with renewed fire, and within three minutes they were level.
At 48’, Yvana Zoua, teed up by Tiwa, made it 3–3, sparking wild celebrations on the touchline.
Zoua’s dynamic display continued to trouble the Dutch defence, forcing an early substitution from the European side as they sought to regain control.
Then came the decisive moment: at 77 minutes, substitute Anouk Altena turned home a Renfurm R. assist to put the Netherlands back in front (3–4). Despite intense late pressure from Cameroon — including yellow cards for Aude Tazanou (87’) and Viviane Ngali (90+3’) — the Dutch held on to claim all three points.
⚽️ Full-time summary
| Minute | Scorer (Assist) | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2’ | Pennock L. (Gelevert A.) | 0–1 |
| 6’ | Dap R. | 0–2 |
| 14’ | Tsongo D. (Aghogue C.) | 1–2 |
| 43’ | van der Vliet T. | 1–3 |
| 45’ | Tiwa Lys | 2–3 |
| 48’ | Zoua Y. (Tiwa L.) | 3–3 |
| 77’ | Altena A. (Renfurm R.) | 3–4 |
Yellow cards: Tazanou A. (87’), Ngali V. (90+3’)
Half-time: Cameroon 2–3 Netherlands
Full-time: Cameroon 3–4 Netherlands
The Netherlands top Group B with three points from their opening game, while Cameroon — despite defeat — have shown they belong on this stage. Their attacking trio of Tiwa, Zoua, and Tsongo will be ones to watch when they return to action in their next group fixture.
Copyright©2025 kick442.com-Cameroon
All rights reserved. This material and any other digital content on this platform may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, written, or distributed in full or in part, without written permission from our management.
This site is not responsible for the content displayed by external sites
English 
French