2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Andre Onana saves penalty as Cameroon seal convincing win

Vincent Aboubakar scored twice and Andre Onana saved a stoppage-time penalty as Cameroon convincingly defeated Cape Verde 4-1 in Marc Brys’ first game as head coach of the Indomitable Lions.

Brys’ appointment in April sparked a dispute between the country’s football federation (Fecafoot) and its Ministry of Sport, but the Belgian coach’s debut in international management went smoothly.

Cape Verde, which had reached the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, looked lackluster, particularly vulnerable to set-pieces.

The match in Yaoundé was effectively decided when Onana saved Kevin Pina’s penalty in the 94th minute. The Manchester United goalkeeper was then fouled by Gilson Benchimol as he attempted to gather the loose ball on his goal line.

This victory puts Cameroon back at the top of Group D in African qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, tied with Libya on seven points after three games but ahead on goal difference.

Africa will have nine representatives at the expanded 2026 finals, with all group winners guaranteed a spot in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Cameroon had a shaky start but took the lead in the 13th minute when an unmarked Michael Ngadeu headed in Moumi Ngamaleu’s corner.

Aboubakar doubled the lead 12 minutes later, hooking in Ngamaleu’s cross from a well-executed short corner on the right.

Cape Verde pulled one back eight minutes before halftime when Jamiro Monteiro slotted Bebe’s through ball past the onrushing Onana.

However, Cameroon restored their two-goal lead just before halftime. Ngamaleu was brought down by Deroy Duarte, and captain Aboubakar converted the resulting penalty.

The Indomitable Lions extended their lead to 4-1 nine minutes into the second half when Nouhou Tolo outmuscled center-back Roberto Lopes to head home after another short corner.

In another qualifying match on Saturday, The Gambia defeated Seychelles 5-1 in Morocco, marking their first victory in Group F.

Northern Irishman Johnny McKinstry managed the Scorpions for the first time. The game was tied at halftime after Ryan Henriette equalized Mohamed Badamosi’s opener for The Gambia.

Musa Barrow’s penalty restored the lead, and Badamosi scored again between goals from Yankuba Minteh and St Johnstone forward Adama Sidibeh, securing a comfortable victory for The Gambia.

The fourth round of qualifying matches will occur between Sunday and Tuesday.

The appointment of Marc Brys as the Indomitable Lions coach in April sparked a conflict between Cameroon’s sports ministry, which announced the appointment, and Fecafoot. Fecafoot president Samuel Eto’o, the former Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea striker, had reportedly created his own list of high-profile candidates for the role.

The appointment seemed to catch Fecafoot off guard, leading to Brys being replaced by an interim coach at the end of last month, only to be reinstated two days later.

Supported by a vocal crowd at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, the five-time continental champions took control following Ngadeu’s opener. Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo had a chance to score in the second half, but Cape Verde keeper Vozinha diverted the ball behind with a leg save, leading to Cameroon’s fourth goal from the resulting corner.

Cameroon will next travel to Luanda to face Angola, who are two points behind them in third place in Group D, on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT.