- Cameroon secured a convincing 3-1 win over Libya in their World Cup qualifier, with Vincent Aboubakar netting a brace and Bryan Mbeumo adding a stunning goal
- Despite a late consolation from Libya’s Ezzo Al-Mariami, Cameroon’s tactical discipline and clinical finishing ensured the victory, moving them to second place in Group D
- The match ended in a controversy as Libya has criticized the officiating, vowing to report the referee to FIFA and CAF
The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon roared to a convincing 3-1 victory over Libya’s Knights of the Mediterranean on Tuesday, March 25, at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium. The match counting for round six of the world cup qualifiers help keeps Cameroon’s World Cup dreams alive.
Marc Brys made three changes to the starting XI that faced Eswatini. Danny Namasso was handed his first start in place of Frank Magri, while Moumi Ngamaleu got the nod over Christian Bassogog on the wing. Ngadeu Ngadjui returned to the backline, replacing Flavien Enzo Boyomo. These tweaks paid off handsomely, as Cameroon controlled the midfield and dictated the tempo of the game.
The Lions’ high press and incisive passing paid dividends in the 27th minute. A clever one-two between Vincent Aboubakar and Bryan Mbeumo saw the former brought down in the box. The referee pointed to the spot, and Aboubakar, Cameroon’s talismanic striker, stepped up to coolly slot the penalty into the bottom corner.
Despite creating several half-chances, Cameroon couldn’t add to their lead before halftime, as Libya’s defense held firm.
The second half began with a moment of sheer brilliance from Bryan Mbeumo. In the 53rd minute, he received a pinpoint pass from Carlos Baleba, drove down the right flank, cut inside, and unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike into the far corner, extending the team’s lead.
Libya responded with a spirited push for an equalizer, but their efforts were thwarted by Cameroon’s organized defense. Moatasem Sabbou thought he had pulled one back, but the assistant referee’s flag ruled it out for offside.
Cameroon put the game to bed in the 61st minute. Mbeumo’s dazzling run down the right saw him beat his marker and force a save from the Libyan keeper, but Aboubakar was quickest to react, pouncing on the rebound to calmly slot home with the inside of his boot. The brace puts him eight goals shy of equaling samuel Eto’o record as Cameroon’s all time lead scorer
Libya managed a consolation goal in the 90th minute through Ezzo Al-Mariami, but it was too little, too late. The match ended 3-1, though Libya’s camp was left fuming over what they deemed poor officiating.
Reports claimed the North Africans believed they were denied a clear penalty and disputed the offside call, vowing to report South African referee Tom Abongile and his team to FIFA and CAF.
With this crucial win, Cameroon seats in second place in Group D with 12 points, one behind leaders Cape Verde (13 points) and four ahead of third-placed Libya (8 points).
The next round of qualifiers in September will be pivotal, and the Lions must maintain their winning momentum to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
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