BATTLE OF YAOUNDE; DIFFERENT STROKES FOR FALCONS, LIONESS

Super Falcons of Nigeria will today at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium take on the Lioness of Cameroon in their quest for 8th continental title.  The match which promises to be full of fireworks is like different strokes for both teams. While Falcons who already have seven trophies in the kitty are aiming to win for the 8th time, the Cameroonians will be playing, praying and hoping to win the
trophy for the first time. The two teams are no strange bed fellows as they have met 10 times with the Falcons winning seven times
while the Lioness have won only once at the last edition in Equatorial Guinea.  There have been two draw encounters in 2004 and 2008 respectively. That lone goal victory over Falcons in 2012 remains the biggest win for the Cameroonians while the Nigerians have 6-0 demolition of their opponents as the biggest win recorded in 1998.  Records however may not matter today as the hosts are desperate
to lift the trophy that has been elusive and will be coming out in full force with a view to clipping the wings of Falcons whose dominance women football in the continent cannot be dismissed with the wave of the left hand.  The Falcons will not only be playing against the 11 players on the pitch, but will have to contend with a vociferous home fans who have come from across the nooks and
cranny of Cameroon just to cheer their own to victory. The country's President Paul Biya and his wife are expected to grace occasion which no doubt will be an added charge on the Cameroonians to fight to the finish for title.
The Falcons no doubt have the experience haven featured and won most of the championships but on this occasion they will need to go the extra mile to be able to carry the day.  One of the things they must do is to put the ball on the ground. A close look at the matches leading to the final reveal that the Cameroonians are physical and are good in aerial ball. The falcons must be more accurate
in their passes.  There is no doubt that the pressure will be on Assisat Oshoala who has so far scored six goals in the competition.  She has been identified as the tormentor in chief and information coming out from the technical bench of Cameroon is for them to cut off supply to Oshoala and make Falcons ineffective, Coach Florence Omagbemi and his technical crew interestingly are veterans of the game and must look for away disarming their opponents. The Falcons have done it before, and they can do it again, Go Falcons Go!