Gaelle Enganamouit scored a hat-trick as Cameroon thrashed Ecuador 5-0 in their Women's World Cup Group C match on Monday.

Cameroon dominated the early proceedings, with Gaelle Enganamouit and Gabrielle Onguene both testing Ecuador goalkeeper Shirley Berruz in the first 15 minutes.

It was not until the 34th minute that Cameroon broke the deadlock, when Madeleine Ngono Mani knocked in the rebound from close range after Berruz parried Enganamouit's initial effort.

Cameroon added two more goals before the break. First, Enganamouit, who celebrates her 23rd birthday tomorrow, hit the back of the net in the 36th minute.

Christine Manie then converted from the penalty spot after 16-year-old defender Kerlly Real made the foul at the edge of the area.

Cameroon continued to dominate in the second half, and their job was made even easier in the 66th minute when Ligia Moreira was sent off for tripping Enganamouit when she was one on one with Berruz.

Enganamouit, who had tormented the Ecuador defence all evening, added Cameroon's fourth with 20 minutes remaining, finishing with aplomb from close range.

Cameroon added a fifth with 13 minutes remaining, when Melissa Ortiz handled the ball in the area and Onguene stepped up to despatch her penalty into the centre of the net.

Enganamouit completed her hat-trick in the 92nd minute, converting from the penalty spot.

Written by
Jonathan McIntosh