FIFA U-20 WWC – Cameroon coach wary of ‘far from small’ Tanzania

Cameroon women national U-20 coach Hassan Balla has admitted they must be ready to face Tanzania in the return leg of their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™ with a place in the event final in Poland at stake.

The next edition will take place in Poland from 5 to 27 September. To secure their place, Cameroon must get through the final round of CAF qualifying against Tanzania, whom they beat 3-1 in the first leg in Yaounde.

The return will take place in Zanzibar next weekend.

Tanzania are far from a small team

“For this final stretch, we need to keep our composure and be patient,” Balla warned as quoted by FIFA.com.

“Tanzania are far from a small team. They are physical, but they can also play. They are a well-prepared side. We’re quite similar, so it will come down to our mindset.”

Balla added: “We’re building on what we’ve started and working towards qualification for the World Cup.

“Colombia was a valuable experience and gave us a lot to build on. In our group, we’re progressing step by step. The most important thing is to qualify, then we’ll have time to prepare for the World Cup.”

In pursuit of a second consecutive qualification, Balla has opted to introduce younger players as part of a long-term strategy. Among them is promising captain Maeva Nyadjou. At just 18, the Amazone FAP Yaounde player could still be eligible for the next edition in two years’ time.

24 teams to compete in Poland final

If Cameroon qualify for Poland 2026, Nyadjou could face a demanding schedule, potentially featuring in both the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (25 July – 16 August) and the U-20 Women’s World Cup.

“That’s what we hope for,” Balla admitted. “If she qualifies for the World Cup and also plays at AFCON, it will give her great experience. Of course, we don’t want her to burn out, but she is surrounded by the right people to guide her.”

The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup is a prestigious competition that inspires new generations and empowers young women.

Twenty-four of the best women’s U-20 national teams on the planet are set to vie for global glory on Polish soil, with the starlets bidding to follow in the footsteps of the established names, who graced previous editions of the showpiece event.