Cameroon secure AFCON berth

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Mar 23, 2019. 19:00

Cameroon defeated Comoros 3-0 at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaounde on Saturday evening to secure qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Needing only to avoid defeat against their Group B rivals, the Indomitable Lions withstood the difficult rainy conditions and a spirited showing from Les Coelacantes to claim all three points and join group winners Morocco at the finals.

The first clear chance of the match went the way of Cameroon forward Joel Tagueu, who put a header wide of the mark in the 13th minute.

This sparked a string of opportunities for the hosts, who were unable to fully capitalise and claim the early goal they were looking for to settle the nerves.

However, 37 minutes into the first half, the Indomitable Lions found their roar when Eric Choupo-Moting turned home Tagueu’s assist to break the deadlock and put his side 1-0 up.

Cameroon enjoyed a narrow lead at the break and didn’t have to wait long for their second goal to arrive, with Christian Bassogog doubling the advantage after being teed up by Andre-Frank Zambo in the 53rd minute.

The hosts continued to look positive in their approach and they were rewarded with another strike late in the game, as substitute Clinton Njie took full advantage of the space left behind Comoros’ defence.

With a three-goal lead established, Clarence Seedorf’s side could afford to take their foot off the pedal and cruise to the finishing line, safe in the knowledge that the chance to defend the AFCON they won in 2017 had been secured.

Cameroon (1) 3 (Choupo-Moting 37’, Bassogog 53’, Njie 89’)
Comoros 0

Cameroon: Onana, Banana, Bassogog, Choupo-Moting (Boumal 71’), Djoum, Fai, Tagueu (Njie 75’), Mandjeck (Kunde 68’), Ngaedu-Ngadjui, Oyongo, Zambo

Comoros: Ahamada, Abdallah (Chamed 72’), Abdullah (Abdou 59’), Alhadur, Bachirou, M’Changama, M’Dahoma (Soule 57’), Mramboini, Selemanie, B. Youssouf, M. Youssouf