The Colombian women’s U-20 national team had a quite complex match against Cameroon at the El Campín stadium, but ended up winning 1-0 after a goal from Yéssica Muñoz, a result that secures their qualification for the next round.
In front of a packed stadium with 30,600 spectators, Cameroon stood strong and showed no fear, even appearing to be the locals as they took control of the match, managing to create a lot of damage on the left side, at least in the first 45 minutes.
The Africans never hid and with their physical strength and speed, they always posed a threat, although they consistently attacked through Cristina Motta’s side, where they created most of their chances.
In fact, the first great opportunity of the match came from Cameroon, where Camila Doha had a good shot that was well saved by goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo, who later had another significant intervention following a corner kick.
Colombia struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, and it wasn’t until the 40th minute that the hosts had their first significant chance through a slight shot from Gabriela Rodríguez, who did not stand out much in coordinating the midfield plays.
However, the ‘Tricolor’ had a chance at the end of the first half when Linda Caicedo, the only standout player, managed to break away in speed to create space and then unleashed a powerful shot that was brilliantly saved by Cameroon’s goalkeeper Catherine Biya.
Despite going into the break at 0-0, the Colombians still had work to do, and an improvement was expected in the second half, as the three points were necessary.
Colombia’s attitude changed significantly, and they began to approach with more intensity, particularly on the side of Linda Caicedo, who confirmed her status as the star of this team.
However, in Cameroon’s limited attacks, they posed a threat around the 50th minute when, after a throw-in, Mary José Álvarez jumped and the ball hit her hand, but after a VAR review, referee Maria Sole Ferrieri decided it was not a foul.
This served as motivation for Colombia, and they began to press forward, attempting to score from set pieces, which is how they eventually opened the scoring in the capital.
Carlos Paniagua had just subbed in Yéssica Muñoz, and she was the one who made the entire country celebrate in the 68th minute, as she capitalized on a great cross from Gabriela Rodríguez following a assist from Linda Caicedo, heading it into the net without any issues for the 1-0 lead.
From that point on, Colombia engaged more in the match and although Cameroon continued to attack, they were not as intense as in the first half. The Africans even requested a review for another possible penalty, but VAR determined that the match would continue in favor of the hosts.
Colombia defended well and started to play intelligently, although the Africans focused on physical play and long throw-ins, hoping to create damage that way, but the attention of the defense remained solid.
In the end, Colombia held onto their slim lead with Yéssica Muñoz’s goal and secured their qualification for the next round of the U-20 Women’s World Cup, heading into their match against Mexico with confidence.