Cameroon, Mali through to AWCON 2018 semifinals

Cameroon, Mali through to AWCON 2018 semifinals By Admin Two teams in Group A of the 2018 African Women Nations Cup have booked their place in the semifinals as hosts Ghana crash out. Hosts Ghana, Cameroon and Mali all had the chance to progress to the next round before the final group A games. Upon conclusion of the group fixtures, Ghana were held to a 1-1 draw by Cameroon, while Mali beat Algeria 3-2. The result meant that Cameroon topped the group with seven points, while Mali came second with six points, Ghana with four points wile Algeria left the competition without a point. Mali women's team Mali are through to the AWCON semi final for the first time (CAF) Mali vs Algeria Mali booked their place in the semifinals of the AWCON for the first time by beating Algeria 3-2. They started the encounter on the front foot with winger Salimata Diarra hacked down in the box. However, Bassira Toure could not convert the resulting spot kick in the 19th minute which Algerian shot-stopper Kahina Takenint pushed away. Algeria took the lead at halftime with Lydia Belkacemi using her head to direct a free-kick by Myriam Benazir into the net. Upon resumption, after the break, Fatoumata Diarra scored to equalise for Mali in the 58th minute. Algeria then went ahead through Imene Merrouche in the 63rd minute when she converted a penalty kick following a handball. Diadhiou made it 2-2 in the 83rd minute and Fatoumata sealed the result with her second of the game through a penalty in the 90th minute. Hosts Black Queens of Ghana are out of the AWCON as they were held to a 1-1 draw by the Lionesses of Cameroon. Ghana will not be going to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup (CAF) Both goals came in the first half, Portia Boakye gave the hosts the lead but Christine Manie equalised as they held on for a valuable draw. Group B The Super Falcons of Nigeria take on Equatorial Guinea while the Shepolopolo of Zambia takes on the Bayana Bayana of South Africa to determine who progresses from group B. Credit: pulse.ng