AWCON 2018: Indomitable Lionesses claim Africa’s last World Cup ticket News

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AWCON 2018: Indomitable Lionesses claim Africa’s last World Cup ticket

By Daily Sports on December 1, 2018

Cameroon beat Mali 4-2 in the third-placed playoff of the Africa Women Cup of Nations in Ghana to claim the continent’s last ticket for next year’s Women’s World Cup in France.

Fatoumata Diarra and Aurelle Awona (own goal) were on the score sheet for Les Aiglonnes but a Minon Abena double and goals from Gabrielle Onguene and captain Christine Manie sealed victory for the Indomitable Lionesses at the Cape Coast Stadium.

The win secured Joseph Ndoko’s outfit Africa’s last available ticket for the 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup in France, joining Awcon finalists Nigeria and South Africa. Cameroon coach Joseph Ndoko made four changes to the starting side that fall to Nigeria on penalties in the semi-finals. Augustine Ejangue, Charlene Menene, Abena and Jeannette Yango took the places of Yvonne Leuko, Gabrielle Onguene, Gaelle Enganamouit and Ngo Mbeleck.

For Mali, Kani Konte, Lala Dicko and Fatoumata Diarra were the new faces in Mohamed Saloum Houssein’s starting XI, coming on for Sebe Coulibaly, Yakare Niakate and Djenaba Baradji.

The Indomitable Lionesses went knocking for the opener early as the third minute when Nchout Ajara drove a shot from inside the box wide after being played through on goal by Menene.

At the other end, Bassira Toure also hit a shot wide from inside the box after taking control of a lofted ball.

In the 32nd minute, the first goal of the game emerged when Ngo Ndoumbouk drove her way into the box and released a cut-back for Abena who planted the ball into the net from close range.

Abena wasn’t done just yet as she put the Lionesses 2-0 up in the 40th minute with a tap-in following a sweet left-footed cross from Claudine Meffemetou Tcheno.

Mali, however, pulled a goal back a minute before the break through Fatoumata Diarra, who pounced on a cut-back by Bassira Toure and sent a shot beyond goalkeeper Ngo Ndom.

After recess, Les Aiglonnes drew parity to the scoreline when an Aurelle Awona’s attempted clearance directed the ball into her own net after Fatoumata Doumbia delivered a cross cum shot on goal.

Cameroon, however, got back in the lead in the 62nd minute through substitute Gabrielle Onguene, who dispossessed Salimata Diarra off the ball outside the box and sent a ferocious long-range drive into the net.

On 75 minutes, Bassira Toure missed a glorious chance to draw parity for Mali when she sent a close-range shot over the bar after being picked out by Niakate.

Then Manie put the game beyond reach for Les Aiglonnes with a long-range free-ckick, which caught Ndom off guard to make the score 4-2. (Goal)

•Photo shows Cameroon Women Team

Source Daily Sports

Posted December 1, 2018