By Angu Lesley
Football Writer kick442.com – Cameroon
Cameroon’s U23 national team took a giant step towards the next round of the U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after securing an emphatic 3-0 away victory over Rwanda at the Kigali Pele Stadium on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
Under the guidance of head coach Guy Feutchine, the Young Indomitable Lions produced an impressive second-half performance to overcome their hosts, with Patrick Edzimbi scoring twice and Nko Ghangle Rattensi also getting on the scoresheet.
The result gives Cameroon a commanding advantage in the qualifying tie and underlines the team’s determination to return to the continental stage at U23 level.
Cameroon had to remain patient before finding the breakthrough, with Rwanda holding out during the opening exchanges. However, the visitors eventually found their rhythm and were rewarded in the 63rd minute when Edzimbi opened the scoring, giving Feutchine’s side the important advantage.
Edzimbi’s opening goal changed the complexion of the encounter, forcing Rwanda to chase the game and creating more opportunities for the visitors to exploit spaces in the home team’s defence.
Cameroon continued to push for a second goal and eventually found it three minutes from regulation time. Nko Ghangle Rattensi struck in the 87th minute to double the Young Lions’ advantage and put the visitors in a comfortable position.
There was still time for Edzimbi to put the icing on an outstanding Cameroonian performance. The forward completed his brace in the 90+3rd minute, sealing a convincing 3-0 victory and giving Cameroon a three-goal cushion ahead of the decisive second leg.
Feutchine’s preparations pay off
The result represents an excellent start to Cameroon’s qualifying campaign under Guy Feutchine, who has been working with the U23 squad since July.
The technical team combined players from the domestic championships with several foreign-based youngsters as Cameroon prepared for the challenge in Kigali. The squad also benefited from preparatory friendly matches, including a 3-0 victory over Cameroon’s U17 selection before travelling to Rwanda.
Cameroon entered the second qualifying round directly, while Rwanda arrived with confidence after eliminating Sudan 4-1 on aggregate in the opening round. The Amavubi had therefore hoped to use home advantage to secure a positive result, but Feutchine’s youngsters instead delivered a painful defeat to the hosts.
Yaoundé return presents Cameroon with opportunity
Attention now turns to the return fixture scheduled for November 17, 2026, in Yaoundé, where Cameroon will have the opportunity to complete the job in front of their supporters.
With a three-goal advantage and no goals conceded in Kigali, the Young Indomitable Lions are in a commanding position. However, Feutchine’s team will need to maintain its concentration and avoid complacency against a Rwandan side that will be desperate to overturn the deficit.
Progression would take Cameroon closer to the 2027 U23 AFCON finals in Egypt. The competition also forms part of the qualification pathway towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
For now, Patrick Edzimbi’s brace and Nko Ghangle Rattensi’s contribution have given Cameroon an excellent platform, while Guy Feutchine has made an emphatic statement with his team’s opening performance in Kigali.
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