The Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon have qualified for the World Cup next year in France after defeating Mali 4-2 in the third place play off game at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Second half goals from Aboudi Onguene and skipper Christine Manie cancelled gave Cameroon the victory after Mali had cancelled Therese Abena’s first-half double.

Cameroon who had beaten their opponent during the group stage of the competition raced into a two-goal lead after Therese Abena who was preferred to the much maligned Gaelle Enganamouit found the back of the net at the 32 and 40 minute.

Mali however pulled one back before the break through Fatoumata Diarra before getting on level terms in the second half when Marie Aurelle turned in a cross against her own ‘keeper.

However, Aboudi Onguene produced arguably the goal of the tournament from long range to beat the Malian goalkeeper and put Cameroon back in the driving seat before skipper Christine Manie put glossed the victory with another long range effort from a free kick.

Cameroon finish third of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and automatically qualify for the World Cup in France next year alongside South Africa and Nigeria who play the final on Saturday in Accra.