Cameroon’s national women football team, the Lionesses have become the first team to secure qualification for the semi-final stage of Africa Women’s Cup of Nations after they beat their South Africa counterparts 1-0 in Limbe.

Ngok Grace missed the chance to give Cameroon the lead in Tuesday’s game played at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium when she was free on goal but shot wide in the 30th minute.

South Africa looked very solid, organised and very determined –they were in total control of the first half with Cameroon defending with everything they had and managed to hold on until the half-time break.

At the start of the second stanza, Cameroon’s coach made some few changes but the South Africans remained strong.

The Cameroonians then upped their tempo and were rewarded with a goal in the 84th minute from Ngo Mbeleck hitting the ball  into the net. From here on Cameroon took complete control of the game as the Banyana side slowed down.

South Africa coached by Desiree Ellis drew 0-0 with neighbouring Zimbabwe in their tournament opener on Saturday and now find theselves in a tight spot with their chances of qualifying to the semi-finals looking slim.

Line ups:

Cameroon XI: Ndom, Manie, Nchout, Aboudi, Feudjio, Ngono, Ngock, Awona, Meffoumetou, Sonkeng, Enganamouit.

South Africa XI; Dlamini; Smeda; Van Wyk(C); Mbane; Vilakazi; Nyandeni; Makhabane; Jane; Kgatlana; Motlhalo; Nogwanya