Amankwaa's brace marches Queens on

(By Veronica Commey, GNA Special Correspondent in Nigeria, courtesy, Ministry of Education, Science and Sports)

Ughelli, Nov 1, GNA 96 Sensational Anita Amankwaa's brace was all Ghana's Black Queens required to humble the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon and march into the semi final of the stage at the ongoing African Women Championship (AWC).

Amankwaa who became the toast of the fans grabbed a late winner to ensure the Ghanaian won 2-1.

The 17-year old striker whose hallmark is her aggression and swiftness opened scoring for Ghana in the 27 minutes after both teams had laboured to impose their play in the second group game played at the Ughelli Stadium.

The Queens, who needed victory to book a place in the last four struggled to topple their opponents who relied on their strength and intimidated the Ghanaian all the way.

Against the run of play, skipper Adjoa Bayor picked up Amankwaa with a fine pass, which split the Lionesses' defence.

Amankwaa made use of the rare advantage and raced ahead of two makers before lobbing over advancing goalkeeper Nguele Valentine for the opener that sent the crowd screaming.

The goal brought the best in the Queens and soon, they were to find their rhythm.

For a moment, a second goal appeared in sight as the team had control of the midfield managed to string a few passes together and kept the Lionesses last quarter of the field boiling but to no avail. The Cameroonians came from recess, believing equalizing was possible and after only seven minutes of play, they achieved that purpose.

After mounting pressure of the Queens, Bella Francoise gave their followers a reason to cheer when she made the most out of a defensive mix up to score the goal that left goalkeeper Gladys Enti exposed in post.

The battle had just begun with the Lionesses enjoying the upper hand all through.

A rear opportunity however fell to Awuah Doreen on the hour mark after substitute Ama Saabi had managed to break through from the Camaroonians invasion and set her up only for the player to shoot wide with the yawning net waiting to be kissed by the ball. The Lionesses took over from then and tormented the Ghanaians with every move until coach Isaac Paha introduced Sheila Okine for Anita Wiredu-Minta in the 80th minute.

The Ghanaians' middle suddenly enjoyed a bit of serenity and managed a few runs at their opponents.

At a time the game seemed to be heading for a drew, Amankwaa gave the Queens hope when she pounced on a rebound and squeezed the ball past goalkeeper Nguele to ensure the Queen top the group with six points and automatically qualify to the semi final stage of the competition. The Queen will play the Democratic Republic of Congo in the last group game on Saturday at the Ughelli Stadium.

Earlier, Mali defeated DR Congo 3-2 in the other group match.

LINE-UP Gladys Enti, Yaa Avoe/Ama Saabi, Mavis Danso, Olivia Amankwa, Aminatu Ibrahim, Florence Okoe, Anita Wiredu-Minta/Sheila Okine, Doreen Awuah, Adjoa Bayor, Florence Adu-Twumwaa/ Rumanatu Tahiru, Anita Amankwaa 01 Nov 06