Vancouver, Canada: Aya Sameshima and Yuika Sugasawa scored early to hand reigning champions Japan a 2-1 win over Cameroon and a spot in the knockout rounds of the women's World Cup on Friday.

The Japanese benefitted from early disarray in the Cameroonian defence with Sameshima opening after just six minutes and Sugasawa getting the second after 17 minutes.

Cameroon desperately fought to get back late in the game with Ajara Nchout reducing the deficit after 90 minutes. A Gaelle Enganamouit header flew left of goal and Augustine Ejangue was off target in the final actions of the night.

Holders Japan have a maximum six points after two games after beating Switzerland 1-0 in their opener.

Switzerland have three points after their 10-1 thrashing of Ecuador earlier Friday, along with  Cameroon, who beat the South Americans 6-0 on Monday.  

Ecuador have no points.

The final round of group games takes place on Monday with Japan playing Ecuador in Winnipeg and Cameroon taking on Switzerland in Edmonton.

The top two teams in each group advance to the last 16 along with the four best third-place finishers.