Ligue 1

Cameroon Rescue 1-1 Congo Draw in AFCON 2027 Qualifying

By Hugo Brennan

Cameroon Rescue 1-1 Congo Draw in AFCON 2027 Qualifying

Cameroon left Brazzaville with a point, but not much comfort. The Indomitable Lions spent an empty first half chasing Congo’s energy before a Ligue 1-based substitute helped them rescue a 1-1 draw in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

Cameroon recover after Congo’s early strike

  1. Congo made a sharp start in Claude Le Roy’s second match in charge. Their 19-year-old debutant Geltany Bantsiele put the hosts ahead in the 24th minute, finishing a cross delivered after a powerful run down the right by Yvan Ikia Dimi.

  2. Cameroon had offered little before the interval, lacking tempo and posing limited danger to the Congolese defence.

  3. Rennes player Mahamadou Nagida was introduced at half-time and helped change the direction of the contest. In the 53rd minute, his cross was diverted into the net by Congo goalkeeper Melvin Zinga, the Angers keeper credited with an own goal.

  4. The match ended level at 1-1. Cameroon remain first in their qualifying group after Comoros defeated Namibia 1-0 on the same evening.

Nigeria beaten heavily in Guinea-Bissau

Earlier, Nigeria suffered a damaging 3-0 defeat against Guinea-Bissau. Goalkeeper Fernando Embadje was a key figure in the result, producing five saves to keep the Super Eagles scoreless.

  1. Franculino opened the scoring in the 15th minute.

  2. Brest forward Mama Baldé added a second goal in the 66th minute.

  3. Alvaro Djalo completed the win in added time, scoring in the 95th minute.

Guinea-Bissau move to the top of Group L and have not conceded in either of their opening two qualifiers.

Rwanda punish Cape Verde as Mali edge Liberia

Cape Verde were beaten 2-1 by Rwanda, with veteran goalkeeper Vozinha enduring a difficult night. The 40-year-old Colo Colo player, named the World Cup’s best goalkeeper, did not make a save as Rwanda scored with both of their efforts on target. He has now conceded five goals across two qualifying games.

Mali joined Rwanda at the summit of Group K by overcoming Liberia 1-0. Reims player Martial Tia struck in the 79th minute after being set up by Brest midfielder Kamory Doumbia.