Garoua. A perfect opening.
Three goals. Only one conceded. Cameroon wasted no time. The Indomitable Lions began their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign with a 3-1 win over Comoros on Thursday, in front of their home crowd in Garoua.
Nyengue opened the scoring. Then Bryan Mbeumo, captain for the night, doubled the lead. Namaso wrapped it up. Omari grabbed a late consolation for Comoros. Three different scorers, no drama, no fuss.
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Mbeumo, the armband and the pressure
Head coach David Pagou made a bold call before kick-off. He handed the armband to Bryan Mbeumo. The Manchester United forward delivered, scoring as he grows into a more senior role with the Indomitable Lions.
Developed in France, with spells at Troyes and Brentford before joining Manchester United last summer, Mbeumo chose to play for his parents’ country rather than France after never getting the call from Les Bleus. On Thursday, that decision looked pretty significant, with the armband on his arm and his first official outing as Lions captain.
Cameroon remains one of Africa’s most successful nations, with five continental titles, the last coming in Gabon in 2017. But they have not lifted the trophy since, and this latest qualifying run, ahead of a tournament being staged for the first time by three East African nations, carries real weight for a side now led by its new captain.
More to follow
Comoros leave Garoua empty-handed. A blow for a team that had caused a few shocks in previous AFCON finals. Cameroon, meanwhile, go top of the group straight away and head into their next fixture with confidence after a slick team performance and a goal from their skipper.
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