CHAN 2022: Cameroon pip Congo; Angola,Mali play out a blistering 3-3 draw
A second-half header by Jerome Ngom Mbekeli steered Cameroon to a 1-0 win over regional rivals Congo in their TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) clash in Oran on Monday.
The 24-year-old, who plays for local side Colombe, rose highest in the 63rd minute to connect Ramses Nguimzeu’s cross from the left to hand the Intermediate Lions the much needed victory at the Oran Olympic Stadium.
The goal, just after the hour mark, was one of the several opportunities Cameroon created but needed the ingenuity of Mbekeli to be able to utilize that chance in the Group E match that the two goalkeepers were tested.
But it was the Congolese who threatened early in the game with youngster Sousou Ilendo side-footing an effort over goalkeeper Marcelin Mbahbi’s bar after an excellent pass from Che Malone at the edge of the box.
Cameroon responded moments later as Mbekeli, who played for his country at the 2022 World Cup, Djawal Kaiba in the area but his shot was tipped over by goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila, who was making his fourth CHAN appearance.
The young Congolese side, who came into the tournament having reached the quarter-finals in each of their last two CHAN appearances, created some chances but were unable to turn them into goals.
The Congolese made some changes after the break with Georges Kader taking the place of young Prince Sousou as coach Jean Elie Ngoya sought to bring some creativity to his midfield.
Despite the change Cameroon continued to dominate the match with Mbekeli setting up for Cotonsport’s Rameses Donfack but Jobel Ondongo put his body on the line to block the goalbound ball.
Congo substitute Kader brought out a point-blank save from Mbahbi before the Lions hit back with Mbekeli running behind the defence of their opponents to head in the cross from Donfack.
A late surge by the Congolese in their quest to grab the equalizer did not result in any opportunity as Cameroon defenders were resolute to hold on to seal the victory.
With just one team qualifying from the three-team Group E, Cameroon will be on standby on Friday while Congo face Niger at the same venue.
Fans in attendance at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran were treated to a highly entertaining evening of African football after Mali and Angola played out to a high-scoring 3-3 draw in the opening Group D match of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship on Monday.
A brace in the first half by Laurindo Aurelio and second half strike by Miguel Viera for Angola was cancelled out by goals from Haidou Sinyako, Yoro Diaby and Ousmane Coulibaly for Mali who put up a brave fight to take away a point.
The match kicked off at an electrifying pace, with both sides eager to find a confidence boosting early lead.
It was however in the 12th minute that the deadlock broke in favour of Angola after a quick transitional attack concluded with an inch-perfect cross from Eddie Afonso for the oncoming Laurindo Aurelio, who slid the ball home for Angola.
Angola’s joy was however short lived after Mali regrouped and pushed numbers forward in search of the equaliser which came in the 23rd minute after Hamidou Sinayoko pounced on a loose ball following a scramble in the box from a failed clearance from to bring his side back into the game.
The tables quickly turned yet again in favour of Angola who immediately reclaimed the lead after a lapse of concentration from the Mali defence resulted in Aurelio connecting with a delightful cross to get his brace and reclaim the lead for the Angolans heading into the break.
Coming into the second stanza, Mali pushed more numbers forward and were determined to get back into the game.
With more numbers forward, the Malians were caught on the counter yet again, this time with Aureilio being the supplier with a brilliant ball that landed on the path of the oncoming Miguel Vieira who opened his account in the 73rd minute.
The goal did not dampen the spirits of the Malians who continued to pile on the pressure and were duly rewarded, following a well taken corner by Ousmane Coulibaly that was met by a powerful header from Yoro Diaby who headed home with just 12-minutes to go before full time.
With momentum on their side, the equaliser quickly came moments after the second goal courtesy of the troublesome Coulibaly who remained calm in the box after receiving a cross from the left to fire home on the second attempt following a block from the Manual Cunha to level matters and conclude a highly entertaining opener to the group.
Angola will now prepare to take on Mauritania on Friday, 20 January while Mali will resume their campaign against Mauritania on Tuesday, 24 January. Both fixtures will take place at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran.
