It was a game that saw the return of head coach Randy Waldrum back to the side after the 2023 FIFA women’s World Cup.

Also back in the team was Ashleigh Plumptre, whose last outing with the former African champions was at the World Cup tournament.

The Falcons are seeking a first Olympic qualification since the 2008 games in Beijing.

Since appearing at the 2008 games, the Falcons have missed out in three consecutive editions (2012, 2016, 2020).

Cameroon denied the Falcons the ticket for the London 2012 games after winning on penalty shootout in the final round of the qualifiers.

In Friday’s tie, it was the Cameroonians who went close in the 11th minute but Chiamaka Nnadozie stopped them from taking the lead.

In the 28th minute Toni Payne made a brilliant run-in but could not set up Asisat Oshoala for the our opener.

The Falcons thought they had opened the scoring on 54 minutes only for substitute Jennifer Echegini’s effort ruled out for offside.

On 64 minutes Echegini then set up Oshoala on the edge of the box but her effort was well saved by the Cameroonian keeper.

The two teams will meet on Monday, 26 February in Abuja for the second leg.

Winner between the Falcons and Cameroon will face either South Africa or Tanzania in the final qualifying round.