Falcons, Lioness set for AWC final

Captain Christine Manie was the heroine for Cameroon scoring a dramatic and historic winner with just two minutes of extra time remaining to see off a resilient Ivory Coast on Wednesday in Windhoek, Namibia.The central defender headed in from a corner to ensure that Les Lionnes qualified for their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup.Cameroon dominated […]

Captain Christine Manie was the heroine for Cameroon scoring a dramatic and historic winner with just two minutes of extra time remaining to see off a resilient Ivory Coast on Wednesday in Windhoek, Namibia.
The central defender headed in from a corner to ensure that Les Lionnes qualified for their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Cameroon dominated periods of the game and finally broke the deadlock on the hour mark thanks to a thunderbolt from dynamic forward Gaelle Enganamouit. However, their lead lasted for only six minutes before Ines Tia drew parity with a close-range effort.
The Cameroonians, who have not won the African crown for 16 years, will now face West Africa rivals Nigeria in Saturday’s final.
Earlier, a first-half double from 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Adidas Golden Ball winner Asisat Oshoala ensured Nigeria became the first team to qualify for Canada 2015 by beating South Africa 2-1 in their semifinal.
Oshoala opened the scoring on 38 minutes and completed her brace just before halftime, only for Jane Refiloe to reduce the deficit for South Africa in the second half.
The Super Eagles had to survive several attacks from Banyana Banyana in the closing stages before celebrations could begin.
Meanwhile, Super Falcons coach, Edwin Okon has assured that has boasted that his team is set to win the African Women Championship (AWC) for the 9th time by beating the Lioness of Cameroon.
“From the onset, we said it that we shall take the teams as they come. We did not care who we play in the final because we are prepared to play who ever and we are ready to beat Cameroon in the final of the AWC
“South Africa gave us a big scare but we were unlucky not to score more than two goals in the first half. The final with Cameroon will be tougher but we shall also raise our game to beat them and reclaim the title.
Also speaking, the Most Valuable Player in the match against South Africa Asisat  Oshoala expressed gratitude to God for giving the team victory over South Africa  stressing that it was not an easy win
“We are happy to reach the final and by the Grace of God, we shall reclaim the title. I thank God for giving me those goals that gave us the win and if I get the chance to score again in the final, I will gladly take it but it does not matter who score so long as we win the cup,” she stressed.
Lioness of Cameroon who are yet to win any edition of the African Women Championships lost 5-0 to Super Falcons in the 2004 finals in South Africa.