Japan beat Cameroon to secure place in knockout round

Updated: May 17, 2023, 06:16 am
Aya Sameshima celebrates after scoring Japan's first goal in a 2-1 win over Cameroon.
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Aya Sameshima scored in the 6th minute as defending champion Japan became the first team at the Women's World Cup to secure a berth in the knockout stage with a 2-1 victory over Cameroon on Friday night in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Yuika Sugasawa added a header off a cross by Aya Miyama in the 17th minute for Japan (2-0), which held on for the win. Cameroon scored in the 90th minute after a strong run and shot by Ajara Nchout.

Cameroon nearly tied the game in stoppage time on a header by Gaelle Enganamouit, but her shot missed just to the left.

Japan plays its final group stage match against Ecuador on Tuesday, while Cameroon (1-1) face Switzerland.