Nigeria's Super Falcons on Saturday 3rd December, 2016 won
the 2016 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) for the eighth time in Yaounde
after beating hosts Cameroon 1-0 before a capacity 40,000 crowd.
An 84th minute goal from Desire Oparanozie was enough for
Nigeria to retain the trophy they won in Namibia two years ago, when they beat
the same Indomitable Lionesses 2-0.
Super Falcons have dominated this competition, winning all
but two of the 10 editions played so far.
In a repeat of the 2014 final, Cameroon finished as
runners-up again despite enjoying massive home support and in front of Cameroon
President Paul Biya. Although the hosts had the best of its display in the
first half, with a number of chances, the Indomitable Lionesses failed to make
the most of their opportunities, even with the Falcons looking like an average
team.
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 Asisat Oshoala to give her team the
trophy. The winning goal from Nigeria appeared to be a huge blow for the hosts
and the thousands of fans who filled the 40,000 capacity Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium
more than five hours before kick-off.
Ghana finished as bronze medalists after a 1-0
win over South Africa on Friday.
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