By Joshua Kosimbom,
Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon
Christian Kofane announced himself on the big stage with a match-winning strike and a commanding all-round display as Cameroon edged Mozambique 2–1 in a pulsating encounter. The forward’s composure in the decisive moment and his constant menace between the lines earned him a deserved Man of the Match award, capping a night that tested the Indomitable Lions’ resilience.
Mozambique struck first and lit up the contest in the 23rd minute through Geny Catamo, whose crisp finish from the edge of the box arrowed inside the left post. The goal rewarded the Mambas’ early bravery and tidy possession play, forcing Cameroon to chase the game and adjust their rhythm. For a spell, Mozambique controlled tempo with quick one-touch exchanges, probing a back line that was being reshuffled due to injuries.
Cameroon’s response arrived in dramatic fashion. Frank Magri rattled the woodwork, and moments later fortune swung as Nene inadvertently turned the ball into his own net to level matters on 29 minutes. The equaliser steadied the Lions, who began to assert themselves physically and territorially, even as the half was punctuated by stoppages and enforced changes.
The second half belonged to Kofane. After seeing an earlier effort ruled out for offside, he kept finding pockets of space, stretching defenders and demanding the ball. His persistence paid off in the 55th minute when he timed his run perfectly, latched onto a precise pass and guided a cool finish off the post into the top corner an ice-cold moment under pressure that proved decisive.
Mozambique refused to fade. They circulated possession with confidence and pushed bodies forward, forcing Cameroon to defend their box with discipline. Devis Epassy’s late interventions most notably a sharp save from Ivane Urrubal’s header in stoppage time preserved the lead as the hosts hunted an equaliser with corners and long balls.
When the final whistle sounded, it was Kofane’s night. Beyond the winner, his movement unsettled Mozambique throughout, his link-up play lifted Cameroon in the key phases, and his calmness set the tone when the game tightened. Cameroon walk away with a hard-earned victory; Kofane walks away with the plaudits and a performance that may mark a turning point in his international story.
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