Cameroon and Ecuador Will Make Their Debuts in the FIFA Women's World Cup Today at 7 p.m. ET
Published on June 8, 2015 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) News Release
CHICAGO (June 8, 2015) - Cameroon will face Ecuador at 7 p.m. ET on Monday in the World Cup debut for both countries at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Western New York Flash forward Ajara Nchout Njoya was one of the last two players to join up with the Cameroon squad in the days leading up to the tournament and coach Enow Ngachu will have her at his disposal for the opening game.
Njoya has played 62 minutes over two appearances (one start) this season for the Flash.
Monday will be a historic day for both countries as Cameroon and Ecuador will each be playing in their first match at a World Cup.
Cameroon qualified for the tournament in Canada by virtue of their runner-up finish behind Nigeria at the 2014 Africa Women's Championships. After winning their group at the continental championships, Cameroon faced Ivory Coast in the semifinals with the opportunity to advance to the title game and claim a berth in their first World Cup.
The Indomitable Lionesses did not disappoint, outlasting Ivory Coast in a historic 2-1 victory after extra time on October 22 with Christine Manie netting the crucial goal in the 118th minute.
Cameroon comes into the match as the second-lowest ranked team in the tournament at No. 53 in the FIFA Women's Rankings - ahead of No. 67 Ivory Coast.
However, their opponents, Ecuador, are ranked just five slots ahead of Cameroon at No. 48 and the Indomitable Lionesses may not have a better opportunity to secure their country's first World Cup victory than they do in their opening match of the tournament.
The competition will get considerably tougher for Cameroon in the final two games of the group stage when they will play defending world champions Japan on June 12 before taking on Switzerland on June 16. The Swiss are also making their first appearance at the World Cup, but come into the tournament ranked 19th in the world.
National Women's Soccer League Stories from June 8, 2015
- Flash Announce Five-Game, Half-Season Ticket Package; on Sale Now - Western New York Flash
- Sky Blue FC Forms Partnership with English Pro Soccer and Bulldogs Soccer Academy - Sky Blue FC
- United States Begins Pursuit of the World Cup against Australia Today - NWSL
- Cameroon and Ecuador Will Make Their Debuts in the FIFA Women's World Cup Today at 7 p.m. ET - NWSL
- Francisca Ordega and Nigeria Take on Sweden Today at 4 p.m. ET in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2015 - NWSL
- Houston Dash Host Watch Party Tonight as U.S. Begins Women's World Cup - Houston Dash
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