Cameroon ran into a Mozambique side that was determined to obtain their first win in the second round of FIFA World Cup qualifying, but the Indomitable Lions found a second half winner off a set piece to edge out the Mambas on Monday. The Indomitable Lions maintain pace at the top of Group D to keep the pressure on Cote d’Ivoire, who face off against Malawi later to try and grab back the top spot. Mozambique are officially eliminated from contention following the result and have only one point through four games.
Mozambique were overwhelmed in the first matchup earlier in the week in Douala, but some positive signs towards the end of that match carried on into their “home” encounter in Morocco. The Mambas star winger, Luis Miquissone, has long lacked a partner in attack to help him carry the load, but this week has seen 20-year-old Sporting CP attacker Geny Catamo emerge as a star. Catamo was a constant danger to the Cameroonians this week and even though his team is eliminated from contention for qualifying, there are positive signs going forward.
Cameroon looked in danger early on. In the 14th minute, Indomitable Lions center back Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui was dispossessed in a bad spot and Helder de Sousa had plenty of time to line up a shot, but took far too long before deciding to attempt a low cross that was cleared away. Five minutes later, Catamo and Miquissone combined well at the edge of the penalty area to set up a shot opportunity for Catamo, but his effort was deflected wide. The Indomitable Lions had their one chance in the first half when Vincent Aboubakar tracked down an overcooked cross and held off defender David Malembana before skinning him with a Cruyff turn, his subsequent shot from a sharp angle requiring an excellent reaction save from Ernest Siluane.
Chances came at premium for a while until well into the second half. A 57th minute Miquissone free kick service was cleared to just outside the area where Catamo hit a first-time blast that was right at Cameroon keeper Devis Epassy, who fended the shot away. The 68th minute brought the match winner against the run of play for the Indomitable Lions. A corner kick from Moumi Ngamaleu saw Siluane weakly slap the ball to his side and right to Ngadeu-Ngadjui, who directed an accurate header just inside the post and past a defender on the line.
Mozambique had one more chance late on to find their goal, but center back Harold Moukoudi stayed sharp to block an effort from Melque Alexandre after he was set up for a wide open look from twelve yards. The performance was not ideal from the Cameroonians, but their physicality once again led them to victory with all four goals scored this week coming from headers.
Highlights are in the link below.
