Australia finished bottom of the standings after their third consecutive loss, while Cameroon secured their progression to the knockout stage as one of the best third placed sides.
With both teams knowing that they had to get a result, there was plenty to play for in Bogota. Australia had promised to play aggressively but it was Cameroon that started the brighter; Nina Ngueleu teeing up Achta Toko Njoya who couldn’t steer her 41st minute effort on target.
Cameroon’s dominance was finally rewarded though on the stroke of half-time as Australia were unable to deal with a corner; Camilla Daha setting up Toko Njoya, who didn’t miss at the second time of asking, curling her shot into the far corner to send the African side to the break with a narrow lead.
The Young Matildas had their best effort of the contest shortly after the re-start as Peta Trimis sent an effort just wide but, with Mexico trailing Colombia in the other group clash being played simultaneously, Cameroon were hunting further goals.
They got one as captain Naomi Eto rifled past Chloe Lincoln on the hour mark but they couldn’t get a third, ultimately it wouldn’t matter as the 2-0 win was enough to secure a historic progression.
