Cameroon faced an unexpectedly stiff resistance from visitors Malawi, but the Indomitable Lions utilized an early Vincent Aboubakar goal on their way to a 2-0 win in Yaoundé on Friday to start off FIFA World Cup qualifying with three points. With Mozambique drawing Ivory Coast earlier in the day, Cameroon are in first place in Group D with a premier matchup waiting on Monday against Ivory Coast. The Flames of Malawi will be disappointed with the result but encouraged with their performance and ability to cause Cameroon problems on the road.
An excellent start made all the difference for the home side with the Indomitable Lions pushing numbers forward to put their opponents on the defensive. Within the first five minutes, Cameroon had their first look at goal when right back Olivier Mbaizo set up forward Eric Choupo-Moting for a shot from a sharp angle, drawing an early save from Malawi keeper Ernest Kakhobwe.
The first shot on target came within five minutes and then the first goal was on the board for Cameroon before ten minutes were up. Midfielder Pierre Kunde measured an excellent lofted pass into the Malawian penalty area to find captain Vincent Aboubakar. The marksman chested the ball down and fired his finish past a helpless Kakhobwe to open the scoring.
While the first ten minutes were relentless from the Indomitable Lions, Malawi gathered themselves and proceeded to be more than worthy opponents. The Flames, who will take part in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, were unafraid to show attacking impetus and players such as new Simba SC signing Peter Banda as well as Baroka FC duo Richard Mbulu and Gerald Phiri helped Malawi to be the better team during substantial stretches.
A lack of defensive quality and failure to capitalize on their positive patches was what doomed Malawi to defeat in the end. In the 22nd minute the lead became two goals for Cameroon when a corner kick from Moumi Ngamaleu found center back Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui. The KAA Gent defender rose above everybody, including goalkeeper Kakhobwe, to nod in from six yards into an empty net. From then on the damage was done with both teams battling, but Cameroon’s early barrage helping them to victory.
Highlights of the match are in the link below.
