Super Falcons lift trophy as Lionesses
stumble in Y’de main Stadium
Nigeria won the women's Africa Cup of
Nations for an eighth time after a 1-0 win over hosts Cameroon in front of a capacity
40,000 crowd in Y’de.
A late goal from Desire Oparanozie was
enough for Nigeria to retain the trophy they won in Namibia two years ago.
The
Super Falcons have dominated this competition, winning all but two of the ten
editions played so far.
In
a repeat of the 2014 final, Cameroon finished as runners-up again despite
enjoying massive home support.
In
front of Cameroon president Paul Biya, the hosts had the best of the first
half, with a number of chances for AboudiOnguene, but the Indomitable Lionesses
failed to make the most of their opportunities.
In
the second half, Oparanozie, who also scored Nigeria's winner against South
Africa in their semi-final, hit the decisive goal again when she broke the
deadlock seven minutes from time.
She
followed through on a pass from the tournament's leading scorer AsisatOshoala
to give her team the trophy.
The
winning goal from Nigeria was a huge blow for the hosts and the thousands of
fans who filled the 40,000 capacity AhmadouAhidjo stadium more than five hours
before kick-off.
Security
in the stadium was stepped up for the final because of the presence of
President Paul Biya and roads were blocked for several kilometres around the
stadium since early morning.
Thousands
more supporters were locked outside after tickets were given out free as
"invites".
There
were three fan parks around Yaounde set up for people to see the game.
Ghana finished as bronze medallists after a
1-0 win over South Africa on Friday.
Pic
Nigeria won the women's Africa Cup of
Nations
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