Cape Verde secured a historic point at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after holding Group D winners Cameroon to a 1-1 draw. The result did not affect Cameroon’s position at the top of the group, with the Indomitable Lionesses already assured of a quarter-final meeting with Nigeria.

For Cape Verde, however, the draw marked a memorable moment as the Blue Sharks claimed their first-ever point at the Africa Cup of Nations.

With Cameroon already guaranteed top spot and Cape Verde eliminated from the competition, neither side had anything to play for in terms of qualification. Nevertheless, both teams produced an entertaining contest, with the points eventually shared.

Cameroon started strongly and nearly took the lead in the 12th minute. After winning possession in their own half, the Indomitable Lionesses launched a quick counter-attack. Fadimatou Aretouyap found Brunelle Beulou, whose effort took a deflection off Cape Verde captain Varsenia da Luz before striking Lara Silva’s right-hand post.

The Blue Sharks spent much of the opening period defending deep as Cameroon continued to apply pressure. Their persistence eventually paid off when they opened the scoring with their 10th attempt.

Following a throw-in close to the penalty area, Naomi Ndjoah Eto delivered the ball towards Grace Mendoua. The Cameroon forward had enough time to bring it under control before unleashing a powerful strike that left the goalkeeper with no chance.

Cape Verde responded positively towards the end of the first half but struggled to create a clear opportunity. A late scramble involving two players and goalkeeper Catherine Biya, who had rushed out towards the edge of her box, briefly threatened to produce an equaliser. Evy Pereira then sent a free-kick over the crossbar.

The Blue Sharks found their breakthrough shortly after half-time, producing a moment of individual brilliance to level the contest.

Ivania Moreira raced down the left flank before cutting inside and curling a superb effort into the far top corner, giving Cape Verde their historic first WAFCON point.

Despite further efforts from both teams, neither could find a winning goal as the match finished 1-1. Cameroon now turn their attention to their quarter-final clash with Nigeria, while Cape Verde can look back on their maiden WAFCON campaign with pride.

Cameroon responded immediately after conceding but struggled to find the quality needed to restore their lead. Claudia Voulania came close in the 59th minute when she reacted quickest to a loose ball following a corner, but her effort lacked the accuracy required to trouble the goalkeeper.

The Indomitable Lionesses continued to push forward, with Lara Silva also doing well to prevent a dangerous cross from Gabrielle Onguene from reaching its intended target.

Cameroon appeared to have regained the lead from a set piece when Collete Ndzana delivered a long free-kick into the penalty area. After the ball fell loose, substitute Michaela Abam found space and calmly fired a right-footed effort into the net.

However, their celebrations were cut short after a VAR review ruled out the goal, with the referee identifying an earlier foul committed by a Cameroon player.

The Lionesses continued searching for a winner late in the game. Naomi Ndjoah Eto had a golden opportunity in stoppage time after finding herself one-on-one with Silva, but the Cape Verde goalkeeper stood firm to make the save.

Silva was called into action again moments later, denying another effort from Brunelle Beulou. At the other end, Catherine Biya produced an equally impressive save, tipping Alivia Kelly’s long-range attempt over the crossbar.

Cameroon will now turn their attention to a quarter-final showdown with Nigeria, setting up a highly anticipated battle between two African football heavyweights.

For Cape Verde, the result represents a historic achievement in their first-ever WAFCON appearance. The Blue Sharks have made an impressive mark on the tournament, just eight years after the women’s national team was established.