BY JOE APU
The Ahmadou Ahijdjo Stadium in Yaounde will witness a capacity crowd as Cameroonians from all walks of life will turn out in their national colours to cheer the Lionesses to victory in what they hope will be their first ever Africa Women Cup of Nations win.
Having come close on three occasions in 1991, 2004 and 2014 and falling to Nigeria’s Super Falcons brings sad memories and now see this final as their only chance to force the bitter pill of defeat down the throats of the Nigerians, at least for once.
The Lionesses’ of Cameroon as the women national soccer team is called may not have stars like those in the men’s football, Roger Milla, Joseph Antoine Bell, Samuel Eto’o, but they have also created a beautiful page for themselves as they aim to change history.
They certainly will have their hands full with Nigeria’s Falcons who on the other hand are seeking to record a tenth win on the Africa continent.
Cameroon will bank on their fine display that saw them edge out Ghana 1-0 in the semi final. The hosts qualified for the final of this year’s Africa Women’s Cup of Nations after defeating Ghana 1-0.
The only goal of the game was scored by Raissa Feudjio in the 72nd minute.
Fendjio latched on to a loose ball inside Ghana’s 18 yard box after the Black Queens keeper Nana Ashantewa failed to hold a cross. They will hope that they can re-enact the 1-0 form that saw them beat Nigeria in 2010 when they claimed bronze over the Falcons in South Africa.
The Super Falcons on the other hand qualified for the final of the 2016 African Women Cup of Nations after beating the Bayana Bayana of South Africa 1-0 in a feisty battle.
Striker Desire Oparanozie’s goal in the 53rd minute was all that condemned the Bayana Bayana of South Africa to a defeat despite their determination and resilience in the encounter.
Tournament’s leading goalscorer Asisat Oshoala will attempt to increase her goals in this final as the Falcons’ coach Florence Omagbemi will also be looking forward to enter the record books as the first to win the trophy as player and coach.
Falcons will have to strengthen their defence to ward off the energetic Cameroonians from causing havoc in their vital area. Desire Oparanozie who fired-in a thunderous shot from a free kick to send the fans into wild jubilation in the game against South Africa will again be on duty for Nigeria.