Cameroon seek group-stage finish as Cape Verde chase historic first win

Cameroon need only a draw against Cape Verde on Thursday to secure top spot in Group D of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, while their opponents are aiming to end their first tournament campaign with a landmark victory.

The match will be played at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco, with kick-off 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 by Canal+ Sport Afrique.

Cameroon have already become the first team to qualify for the knockout stage of the competition. They sit alone at the summit of Group D after winning both of their opening matches.

The Indomitable Lionesses began with a 2-1 victory over Mali before beating Ghana 1-0. Those results have left them three points clear of both Ghana and Mali, who occupy second and third place respectively on goal difference.

Cape Verde are bottom of the group without a point after losing their opening two matches. They were beaten 2-0 by Ghana and then suffered a 3-2 defeat against Mali, results which confirmed their elimination before the final round of fixtures.

Despite their early exit, Cape Verde will have a clear incentive to approach the meeting with Cameroon positively. Victory would give the Blue Sharks their first win at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and provide a historic moment during their debut campaign at the tournament.

The result could also have significance for Cameroon’s position at the top of the section. A draw would be enough for the Indomitable Lionesses to guarantee first place, ensuring they finish the group stage ahead of both Ghana and Mali.

However, Cameroon may face a determined Cape Verde side rather than an opponent simply playing out the remainder of the competition. The Blue Sharks showed in their previous match against Mali that they can make life difficult for more experienced opposition, despite ultimately losing by a single goal.

That threat means Cameroon will be expected to remain focused as they attempt to complete a perfect group-stage record. Two victories have put them in control of Group D, but Cape Verde’s desire to claim a first historic win could make the final fixture more difficult than the standings suggest.

The meeting in Casablanca therefore carries contrasting importance for the two teams. Cameroon are protecting a leading position and seeking to finish the pool phase unbeaten, while Cape Verde are playing for pride and the opportunity to leave their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a notable result.