Gaelle Enganamouit scored a hat-trick as Cameroon won with a commanding 6-0 victory over fellow Women’s World Cup debutants Ecuador in their Group C opener in Vancouver on Monday.
Les Lionnes, who qualified for the World Cup by finishing as runners-up at last year’s African Women’s Championship, took advantage of several defensive lapses by Ecuador with a three-goal burst in 11 minutes during the first half.
Enganamouit – celebrating her birthday – had a hand in all the goals as the west Africans enjoyed a perfect opening to their FIFA Women’s World Cup odyssey. After a low-key opening half-hour, Enganamouit started a move which resulted in a goal for Madeleine Ngono Mani. Just two minutes later Enganamouit received a long ball forward and beat goalkeeper Berruz with a low shot on her left.
The speedy Cameroon forwards dominated up front and Christine Manie struck from the penalty spot in the 44th minute after sending Ecuador goalkeeper Shirley Berruz the wrong way, burying the ball low to the left with a thunderous shot.
Ecuador were reduced to 10 players when defender Ligia Moreira was red carded in the 66th minute and Enganamouit took advantage seven minutes later when she found the back of the net from close range.
Gabrielle Aboudi Onguene, who orchestrated many of Cameroon’s attacking moves in her 50th international match, scored from the penalty spot in the 79th minute before Enganamouit followed suit in the 94th to make it 6-0.
