Cameroon go top with Mozambique win, Gabon beat Angola
Defender Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui scored the winner in the second half as Cameroon moved top of Group D in the qualifiers for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup with a slim 1-0 victory away to Mozambique.
The victory, a second consecutive win over the Mozambicans takes the Indomitable Lions to nine points, two ahead of Côte d’Ivoire who play Malawi later Monday.
Mozambique meanwhile have seen their World Cup hopes ended having only picked one point after four matches.
The Mambas knew only victory would keep their hopes afloat and started the match well, pressing Cameroon and creating chances. However, their poor decision making in the final third was always wanting.
Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu of Cameroon wins header during the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier between Mozambique and
In the 13th minute, Martinho Alberto Thauzene made a good run on the wing to break into the box, but her decision to cut back the ball instead of going for goal proved wrong as the ball was cleared away.
Cameroon’s best chance of the half fell on Vincent Abubakar who broke into the box from the left but his shot was well saved by the keeper.
Mozambique kept the hunt in the second half and they were denied by a good save from the keeper in the 57th minute when Luis Muquissone’s freekick was deflected to Nelson Simbine’s path, the defender taking a strong volley on goal that was punched away.
Nouhou Tolo of Cameroon is challenged by Geny Catamo of Mozambique during the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier between
Their chase for a goal was punctured in the 68th minute when Cameroon broke the deadlock, Ngadeu-Ngadjui heading home after the keeper punched a corner to his path.
Mozambique tried all they could to get their act into the game and salvage nothing, but they couldn’t crack a resolute Cameroonian side.
READ ALSOWCQ: Mozambique out for vengeance against Cameroon
In Franceville, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang starred for the Gabonese, scoring a goal and assisting the second as The Panthers won 2-0 against Angola to earn their first qualification victory and revive faint hopes of battling for a place to Qatar 2022.