China conquer Cameroon to win in Wuhan ⁰

China PR emerged as competition winners for the second time in 2019, defeating Cameroon 1-0 to claim the Wuhan International Tournament on Sunday.

The win, sealed by a lone Wang Shanshan goal shortly before half-time, follows January’s successful Four Nations Tournament campaign in Meizhou as Jia Xiuquan’s side continue their build up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 in June.

Following on from an emphatic 4-1 win over Russia on Thursday, China PR began with a strong line-up featuring the likes of Wang Shuang, Wu Haiyan and Wang Shanshan, but it was Cameroon who had the first chance, with Henirette Akaba forcing a save within the opening minute.

Chasing a sixth successive win on home soil, the Steel Roses gradually grew into the contest, and they scored what proved to be a decisive goal in the 40th minute.

It was far from the prettiest addition to the scoresheet in Jia’s 11-month spell as boss, but Wang Shanshan forced the ball home when Cameroon Ngo Ndom spilled a looping Gu Yasha cross from the vicinity of the left-hand corner flag.

Replaced in the 62nd minute, Wang Shanshan’s goal meant the striker scored three times in just 89 minutes of game time in the tournament, taking her tally to 10 in her side’s last 10 matches.

Despite the heavy involvement of Wang Shuang and Li Ying, China PR failed to extend the lead after the break, but two wins from two, including one against FIFA Women’s World Cup-bound Cameroon, was a welcome return following a disappointing Algarve Cup campaign a month prior.

China PR’s next confirmed test will be a compelling one, as they head to Paris to face the France 2019 hosts in a friendly on May 31, before the serious business of the FIFA Women’s World Cup group stage begins against Germany on June 8.

Source: the-afc.com