Last-Minute Change: Illness Forces Mabou Out, Aponfack Called Up for crucial Cameroon-Mexico U17 WWC tie

Two changes have been made by team Cameroon ahead of their third and final group game in the U17 women’s World Cup, that has seen first choice keeper, Mabou, make way for Aponfack, due to an illness.

Mexico and Cameroon are set to clash in a critical Group B fixture at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 2) in Salé, Morocco. With Cameroon desperately needing a result and Mexico aiming to solidify its position, both teams are expected to bring maximum intensity.

Cameroon Line-up Forced into Changes

The Junior Lionesses, led by coach Ndoumou Mike, have been forced to make changes, primarily in defense, following two agonizing losses in the tournament.

Most notably, first-choice goalkeeper Mabou (16) will not be available due to illness and will be replaced by Aponfack (20) between the sticks. Furthermore, Mbouke (5) is rested due to injury.

These personnel changes also trigger a tactical shift. Avana returns to the attack, while Nkoussa (10) moves into an offensive midfield role, playing just behind key striker Lys Tiwa. Cameroon will be counting on Tiwa, who has scored two goals in the competition, to find the back of the net.

Attacker/Forward

• Tiwa (9)

Midfielders/Wingers (from left to right)

• Avana (19)
• Nkoussa (10)
• Tazanou (7)

Central Midfielders/Defensive Midfielders (from left to right)

• Duile (14)
• Zoua (8)

Defenders (from left to right)

• Ngo Belia (13)
• Niafor (21)
• Ayissa (4)
• Aghogue (3)

Goalkeeper

• Aponfack (20)

Mexico Seeks to Secure Knockout Spot

After a bumpy start, Mexico bounced back brilliantly with a crucial 1-0 win against the Netherlands. Midfielder Citlalli Reyes delivered one of the most impressive goals of the group stage, striking a late winner in the 87th minute.

Now sitting in second place in Group B, Mexico needs a win to solidify its place among the remaining sides competing for the trophy.

Cameroon’s Tournament Struggle

Cameroon has suffered two painful losses thus far: a 4-3 defeat to the Netherlands and a 2-1 loss to three-time champions North Korea, a game in which they had initially taken the lead. They must secure a victory of any sort to keep their slim hopes of advancing alive.

Head-to-Head History: Mexico and Africa

This match will mark the first-ever meeting between Mexico and Cameroon at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Historically, Mexico has a tough record against African opponents in the tournament. This will be Mexico’s sixth all-time match against an African team, having registered just one victory:

• 4-0 win vs. South Africa, September 12, 2010 – Goals were scored by Daniela Solís (21’), Andrea Sánchez (52’), Christina Murillo (68’), and Fernanda Piña (78’).

Mexico’s most recent encounter against an African nation ended in a 1-2 loss to Kenya on October 23, 2024. As a result, Mexico is currently on a four-match winless streak against African teams at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup (2 losses, 2 draws).