The U-20 women national team of Cameroon have been eliminated from qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Tanzania in the decisive second leg of their playoff in Zanzibar.
The result ends Cameroon’s hopes despite their earlier 3-1 victory in Yaoundé, while Tanzania secure a historic first-ever qualification for the global tournament.
The second leg, played at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Sunday, saw the Tanzanian side overturn their first-leg deficit with a disciplined and determined performance. Goals from Mary Aron and Hasnath Obamba proved decisive as the “Tanzanite Queens” held firm to complete the turnaround and book their place at the World Cup.
For Tanzania, the victory marks a landmark achievement in their football history. Their qualification places them among a growing group of African nations set to compete on the world stage, alongside Ghana, Nigeria, and Benin, who have also secured their places at the tournament.
Cameroon had entered the tie with an advantage following their 3-1 win in the first leg in Yaoundé. However, they were unable to protect that lead in Zanzibar, where Tanzania produced a strong home performance to overturn the deficit and end the Cameroonian campaign.
The decisive nature of the match was reflected in reactions shared on social media following the final whistle. A post by AllezLesLions captured the outcome, stating:
🔴 Cameroon U-20 Lionesses fell (2-0) to Tanzania in the second leg of the final playoff qualifying for the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.Mary Aron and Hasnath Obamba scored Tanzania’s goals.Cameroon will not take part in the upcoming World Cup… pic.twitter.com/vRa3CeP5ID
— AllezLesLions (@AllezLesLions) May 10, 2026
The result will be particularly celebrated in Tanzania, where the U-20 side’s progress has been seen as a breakthrough moment for women’s football development. Their qualification is expected to bring increased attention to the team as they prepare for their debut appearance at the tournament in Poland.
For Cameroon, the defeat brings disappointment at the final hurdle of qualification. Despite showing strength in the opening leg, they were unable to replicate that performance away from home, resulting in their exit from the competition.
As attention now turns to the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, Tanzania’s emergence adds a new name to the tournament roster and highlights the expanding competitiveness of women’s youth football across Africa.
