Cameroon staged a strong second-half comeback to edge Mali 2-1 in a dramatic Group D encounter and boost their chances of reaching the WAFCON quarter-finals.
The Indomitable Lionesses were handed a golden opportunity after Mali goalkeeper Fatoumata Karentao rushed off her line and brought down Ngah, who was racing clear on goal in the 70th minute.
Karentao escaped with only a yellow card despite the challenge appearing worthy of a harsher punishment.
Three minutes later, Ngah calmly converted the resulting penalty, sending the ball just inside the post to restore Cameroon’s lead at 2-1.
Despite trailing, Mali struggled to threaten after the break and failed to register a single shot on target.
Their closest opportunity came in the 85th minute when Fatoumata Niakate produced an excellent through ball for Traore, but the forward failed to take advantage after getting tangled up inside the penalty area.
Ngah’s impressive display ended on a painful note as she was forced off the pitch on a stretcher in the closing stages of the match.
Mali believed they had snatched a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time when substitute Kadidiatou Diabate delivered a cross for fellow substitute Fatoumata Diarra in the 97th minute.
However, Diarra failed to judge the angle of her effort, allowing Cameroon to hold on for all three points.
Group D standings
The victory lifts Cameroon to second place in Group D, behind leaders Ghana, who defeated Cape Verde 2-0.
The Indomitable Lionesses had originally missed out on qualification after losing to Algeria in the play-offs but were reinstated following the expansion of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to 16 teams.
Mali now sit third in the group and must defeat Cape Verde by at least one goal in their next match to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.
Cameroon, meanwhile, will face Ghana in what is expected to be the decisive clash for top spot in Group D.
