Cameroon women claimed a 1:0 victory over Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on Saturday evening. The hosts advanced to the semi-finals despite Nigeria dominating possession and creating more chances throughout the contest.
Cameroon started with a compact shape and looked to hit on the break. Nigeria controlled the tempo, but the visitors could not find a breakthrough. Cameroon defended resolutely and absorbed the pressure without conceding.
The match statistics tell the fuller story. Nigeria enjoyed 60 per cent of possession and registered nine shots on target compared to Cameroon's three. The hosts managed only three shots on target from 96 attacks, while Nigeria pushed 128 attacks forward. Cameroon picked up two yellow cards along the way.
The result moves Cameroon clear at the top of their group with seven points from three games. Nigeria remain second on six points after their solitary defeat of the tournament. Cameroon's recent form included draws and narrow wins, while Nigeria had been scoring freely in their group stage.
Cameroon now sit on the edge of the semi-finals with a clean sheet and a vital away point already secured in their campaign. The victory puts them one step closer to the final four.