Mali make crucial comeback as Ghana’s Black Queens suffer a shock defeat
AWCON is well underway and the tournament has so far lived up to the anticipation and hype. Here is a recap of Match Day 3: Group A fixtures
Mali vs Ghana
Patricia Mantey of Ghana lies injured on the pitch during the women's international friendly match between Germnay and Ghana at Benteler Arena on July 22, 2016 in Paderborn, Germany.
(July 21, 2016 - Source: Lars Baron/Bongarts)
The Mighty Black Queens suffered a shock defeat in their second group match at the hands of Mali on Tuesday Night. This after the Ghanaians had launched a solid AWCON campaign in the opening match by beating Algeria by 1-0. Les Aiglonnes of Mali fell to Cameroon 2-1 in their first group stage encounter. Coming into the match with three points, Ghana were in a considerably more comfortable position and a win would have secured a place for the host nation in the semi finals.
Mali opened the scoring in the 22nd minute of the game after a penalty was awarded against Ghanaian goalie Patricia Mantey. Ghana struggled to come back from the one goal deficit in the first half and for most of the second half until the 72nd minute when substitute Elizabeth Addo, affectionately called Ama Pele successfully converted the second penalty of the night. A defence mishap in the form of poor defending from goalie Patricia Mantey saw Mali back in front after Bassira Toure flipped the mistake in the favour of Mali. The final score was Ghana 1 -2 Mali. Bassira Toure was consquently awarded the player of the match award.
Mali head coach, Houssein Saloum made two changes to the starting XI that lost 2-1, bringing on Lala Dicko and Aissatou Diadhiou for Kani Konte and Bintou Koite. The tactical move paid off as Les Aiglonnes were able to successfully hold back the Ghanaians.
Cameroon vs Algeria
Cameroon line up before the Women's Football first round Group E Match between Great Britain and Cameroon on Day 1 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Millennium Stadium on July 28, 2012 in Cardiff, Wales.
(July 27, 2012 - Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
Cameroon are on a winning streak as they beat Algeria on Tuesday night, a 3-0 showcase in which Les Lions Indomptables were unforgiving against the North Africans.The first goal came in the 13th minute from Gabrielle Aboudi Onguen after she mounted a solo effort that pitted her against Algerian keeper Kahina Takenint. Avaldsnes IL striker, Gaelle Enganamouit netted the second goal from an assist by Ajara Nchout who scored the third goal for Cameroon six minutes later.
Algeria have now lost back to back matches, rooted at the bottom of Group A standings while The Indomitable Lionesses who are still unbeaten after their two opening matches, lead the group with 6 points.
Group A matches will resume on Friday for the final match ups; Ghana vs Cameroon and Mali vs Algeria. After Tuesday’s loss, Ghana will have to mount a come back charge of their own to win their last group match on Friday against Cameroon in order to secure a semi final place. Cameroon will definitely pose a great challenge for the Black Queens with the match-up likely to be their toughest one yet.
Meanwhile, Zambia will take on Nigeria whereas South Africa go up against tournament late comers Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday night at 17:30 and 20:30 GMT respectively.