TheCable

Her name may be tongue-twisting but Gaelle Enganamouit’s twist, turns, three goals and three assists helped Cameroon beat Ecuador 6-0 in the battle of FIFA Women’s World Cup first-timers in Vancouver.

The Africa Women’s Championship runners-up opened their account on a bright note taking the lead 34th minute into the game. Enganamouit started a move which resulted in a goal for Madeleine Ngono and just two minutes later, she beat goalkeeper Berruz with a low shot to put the Indomitable Lioness 2-0 up.

Ecuador had a rare chance to reduce the tally from an Ambar Torres free-kick, but it was Cameroon who scored a third before the break. Kerlly Real brought down Enganamouit in the penalty box and captain Christine Manie made no mistake from the spot.

Cameroon continued from where they stopped in the first half going 4-0 up with a goal from, yes, you guessed right – the yellow-haired Enganamouit.

Two more penalty kicks were awarded Cameroon in the 79th and dying minutes of the game. Both were dispatched by Onguene and the star of the game, Enganamouit.

Champion Japan began the defence of their title with a hard-fought 1-0 win over debutants Switzerland also in Vancouver.

Aya Miyama’s first-half penalty gave Norio Sasaki’s side a deserved lead which they held on to despite immense pressure from the Swiss.

The result sent Japan level on points with Group C leaders Cameroon.