Cameroon's U20 Indomitable Lionesses will not participate in the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in Poland in 2026, after being defeated 2-0 by Tanzania in the return leg of the final qualifying round. The match took place this Sunday in Zanzibar.
Despite a 3-1 victory in the first leg at home in Yaoundé, the Cameroonians failed to score in the return match. Tanzania quickly took the lead with a goal in the first minute, before adding a second later in the match, sealing their qualification. Mary Aaron and Hasnath Ubamba were the Tanzanian goalscorers.
Cameroon coach Hassan Balla had stressed the importance of focus and patience for this final qualifying round. He had warned that Tanzania was a physical and well-prepared team. Balla led Cameroon to their first-ever U20 Women's World Cup qualification two years ago in Colombia.
Tanzania joins Nigeria and Ghana as African representatives at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in Poland. The tournament will take place from September 5 to 27, 2026. A total of four African teams will qualify for the final tournament.
Tanzania will participate in its first U20 Women's World Cup in 2026.
