Japan have recorded a 2-1 victory over Cameroon in the Women's World Cup to secure their place in the round of 16.

Norio Sakaki's team took the lead in the sixth minute when Aya Sameshima latched on to cross at the back post and fired the ball into the net from close range.

Cameroon tried to respond and Yvonne Lueko lined up a drive from 25 yards after collecting a pass from Cathy Ndjouh, but the effort went just past the post.

Japan scored their second goal of the game as Yuika Sugasawa latched on to a cross at the back post after keeper Annette Ngo Ndom tried to come off her line to collect the ball, but she missed it, allowing the forward to pounce.

In the second half, Cameroon pushed to get back into the game, but Gaelle Enganamouit failed to find the target with several efforts from inside the penalty area.

However, in the dying minutes, Ajara Nchout got a goal back for Carl Ngachu's team when she was played through down the left and beat Ayumi Kaihori at her near post to find the back of the net.

Cameroon almost earned a point in the final seconds of the game as Enganamouit directed a header at goal, which looked to be heading into the bottom corner but deviated at the final moment to go agonisingly wide as Japan held out for the win.

Written by
Simon Sinclair