Franck Ohandza gave Cameroon the lead in the 79th minute of regulation time, but Carlos Orrantia equalised for Mexico in the 81st.
Cameroon missed all three of its penalties in the shootout while Mexico converted its three.
Mexico goalkeeper, Jose Rodriguez, stopped Franck Ohandza’s shot, then Idriss Nguessi struck the crossbar and Christ Mbondi hit the post to end the contest.
Erick Torres, Ulises Davila and Marvin Pinon all scored with confident shots for Mexico. Mexico will now play host nation Colombia in the quarter-finals who converted a stoppage-time penalty to beat Costa Rica 3-2.
“We are happy, but we are not completely satisfied,” Juan Carlos Chavez, Mexico coach said. “We know there is still a lot to improve. It was a difficult match, with few opportunities, but here we are, it’s time to start thinking about Colombia. It will be very special to play against the host.”
Ohandza gave Cameroon the lead by firing a hard shot into the top of the net from just inside the penalty area, after receiving a perfect pass from Mbondi.
But Mexico answered quickly and midfielder Orrantia equalised from close-range after a long pass into the area. He dived feet-first near the far post to knock the left-flank cross into the net.
Cameroon coach Martin Ndtoungou Mpille said the defence’s lack of attention for a few moments led to the equaliser, and then the pressure hit the players in the shootout.
“There is no other explanation (for the missed penalties),” he said.
The teams created very few chances to score during regulation at the Hernan Ramirez Villegas stadium in Pereira, but Mexico put pressure on near the end and threatened Cameroon with a few long-range shots. Cameroon’s only chances came from crosses from set pieces.
In extra time, Mexico almost scored in the 115th minute, but Nestor Araujo’s shot was saved by Cameroon goalkeeper, Jean Efala. Torres also had his attempt saved by Efala a few minutes earlier.
Mexico advanced to the knockout stage in second place of Group F, behind Argentina but ahead of England and North Korea. Cameroon was second to Portugal in Group B, which also contained New Zealand and Uruguay.
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