Cameroon need only avoid defeat against Cape Verde on Thursday to secure top spot in Group D at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, while the already eliminated Blue Sharks will be seeking a victory that would give them a historic first win in their debut campaign.
The final group-stage match will be played at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco. Kick-off is scheduled for 22:00 French time and 21:00 in Cameroon.
Viewers in France can watch the game on beIN SPORTS MAX 6, while the match will be broadcast in Cameroon on Canal+ Sport Afrique.
Cameroon are the first team to qualify from the group stages of this Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and sit alone at the top of Group D. The Indomitable Lionesses have won both of their matches so far, beating Mali 2-1 before defeating Ghana 1-0.
Those results have left Cameroon three points clear of both Ghana and Mali. Ghana occupy second place and Mali are third, with the teams separated by goal difference. Cape Verde are bottom of the group on zero points.
As a result, Cameroon only need a draw against Cape Verde to lock in first place and complete the group stage at the summit. A defeat, however, could open the door for their rivals, depending on the outcome of the other decisive group match.
Cape Verde’s position is more straightforward. The Blue Sharks have already been eliminated after losing their opening two games, going down 2-0 to Ghana and 3-2 against Mali.
Despite their exit, Cape Verde will have a strong incentive to finish their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a positive result. Victory over Cameroon would represent a historic first for the team in the competition.
Their previous performances suggest Cameroon cannot afford to underestimate them. Cape Verde could prove to be a determined and difficult opponent, much as they were capable of testing Mali during the previous matchday.
Cameroon will therefore go into the contest as group leaders and favourites to progress in first place, but Cape Verde have the chance to end their tournament on a high. The match brings the two teams together at opposite ends of Group D, with Cameroon protecting their advantage and Cape Verde competing for pride and a landmark result.
The meeting in Casablanca is the final opportunity for both sides to influence how the group stage concludes. For Cameroon, the immediate objective is to remain unbeaten and confirm top spot. For Cape Verde, the target is a first-ever victory in their first appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
