Women's Africa Cup Of Nations: Cameroon Ladies Reach Finals By Beating Ghana 1-0

Cameroon qualifies for the finals of the 2016 Africa Women's Cup of Nations by beating Ghana 1-0 in Yaounde on Tuesday to set up a date with either Nigeria or South Africa in Saturday’s final.

Midfielder Raissa Feudjio scored the only goal of the match on 71 minutes as ‘Les Lionnes’ deservingly booked their place in the grand finale and continue their march towards a historic first ever title in the flagship women’s competition.

Backed by a packed crowd at the renovated Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in the capital, Yaounde, Feudjio scrambled home after Ghana goalkeeper Nana Ama Asantewaa fumbled an aerial ball to set the tone for victory.

Despite the dominance, the Cameroonians had found the Ghanaian backline a mountain too tall to climb with Feudjio, Gabrielle Aboudi Onguene and forward Gaelle Enganamouit asking the West African defence several questions.

Playing on the left, Aboudi Onguene was unlucky as her goalbound shot on 26 minute hit the post with Asantewaa beaten. 

Earlier, Asantewaa had calmly collected Enganamouit’s header.

The Ghanaians barely had a shot on goal throughout the first half after being outplayed by the host.

Upon resumption, Cameroon coach Enow Ngachu introduced Jeanette Ngock Yango for Michelle Akaba and the former added to the pressure on the Ghanaian backline.

The moment finally came on 71 minutes when Asantewaa spilled a corner by Aboudi Onguene in the penalty area and Enganamouit, who was lurking around, found Ajara Nchout Njoya whose shot was blocked by Linda Eshun before Feudjio bundled home.

Substitute Michele Ngono Mani almost doubled the lead with a superb volley but Ghana goalkeeper Patricia Mantey, who had replaced injured Asantewaa minutes earlier, responded with a positive save.

The host will face the winner of Nigeria-South Africa in Saturday’s final in Yaounde, while Ghana battle the loser for bronze on Friday.

Cameroon lost 0-2 to Nigeria in the final in 2014 in Windhoek, Namibia.