Cameroon were held to a goalless draw in their 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group B clash against Zambia at the Mohamed V in the Moroccan city of Casablanca on Sunday evening.
As four-time Wafcon runners-up, the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon were the favorites against Zambia’s Copper Queens in the Group B opener.
Zambia goalkeeper Hazel Nali was called into action just 10 minutes into game and produced a good save to deny Cameroon striker Ajara Nchout Njoya.
Copper Queens also had a big chance to go ahead from a transition three minutes later after Avell Chitundu went clear on goal but shot-stopper Agne Gabrielle Bawou made a great save with his foot.
However, the sides could not maintain their tempo in the latter phase of the first stanza, as the Indomitable Lionesses only threatened just before the half-time break after Genevieve Edith Mbeleck went through on goal but Nali came out quickly to avert the danger.
Action resumed with Cameroon still the side on the front foot. Five minutes in, Ajara combined well with Aurelle Marie and delivered to the near post but Falena couldn’t glance her header enough to get it on target.
Soon after Zambia captain Grace Chanda was dispossessed on her own byline by Falena, who squared to Yango at the back post and her low effort was repelled by the legs of Nali.
Copper Queens then threatened after a corner was headed out and delivered back to the back post for an unmarked Misozi Zulu, who was about to pull the trigger when she was denied by a last-ditch interception from Cameroon defender Estelle Johnson.
Another glorious opportunity went begging for Zambia. Esther Siamfuko showed a clean pair of heels to her marker before squaring it for Mwemba, who failed to get it out of her feet allowing Monique Ngock to come across and make the block.
As the referee blew his full-time whistle, the Indomitable Lionesses would have been wondering how they did not manage to come away with all three points despite completely dominating the encounter.
