The continental heavyweights of Nigeria overcame a tough Cameroonian side in a convincing African Women Championship final display in Windoek
Nigeria’s young squad made African Women Championship history to claim the nation’s seventh continental crown (the highest in the tournament’s history).
First half strikes from Desire Oparanozie and Asisat Oshoala were enough to seal victory against a tough-tackling Les Lionnes at the scanty Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek.
While both sides belted out the national anthems with vigour and aplomb, Nigeria were the only side that succeeded in overcoming the emotion and expectation early on. Cameroon, by comparison, were nervy and at times looked overawed by the altitude of the final.
The tension afforded Edwin Okon’s side the better opportunities early on, as coach Enow Ngachu’s side failed to settle. Player of the match Francesca Ordega, a player who wasn't afforded a starter’s shirt at the beginning of the tournament, was particularly bright, and looked keen to profit from any unease among the opposition. She appeared everywhere, troubling both fullbacks with her pace, and also the subtler side of her game, her feints and touches.
Oparanozie and Oshoala had opportunities to demonstrate their aerial prowess early on, despite the bumbling and fumbling of Ngom Ndom in goal for Cameroon, neither could capitalise.
However, it was Oparanozie who curled home a free-kick that left Annette Ngo Ndom with no option for the first goal for the Falcons on 13 minutes
The Cameroonians almost got an equalizer after Enganamouit’s shot from outside of the box kissed the crossbar on 21 minutes with goalkeeper Ibubeleye Whyte completely beaten.
The Super Falcons doubled the lead on 43 minutes through Oshoala. Ordega profited from a poor clearance by Yvonne Leuko, laid to Oshoala, who connected with a tap in to ensure a two-goal lead into the break.
On resumption of the second half, both teams failed to score as Cameroon failed to reduce the deficit due to Nigeria’s dogged defence and great goalkeeping heroics from Whyte.
The Super Falcons held on to extend their record at the AWC to seven titles in seven final matches and their goals record to 18 for and a meagre two against.
Cote D'Ivoire defeated South Africa 1-0 in the match for third place earlier in the day.
Thus, Nigeria, Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire will represent Africa at the 2015 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Canada.
Culled from gal.com
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