Cameroon 1-0 Congo: World Cup Star Gerome Ngom Trailblazes In Intermediate Lions CHAN Opener

The intermediate Lions triumphed over rivals Congo Republic in the group E opener of the TotalEnergies Africa Nations Championship via a goal to nil margin.

World Cup star Gerome Ngom scored a worldie at the 63rd minute to hand all three points to the men of coach Alioum Saidou.

The intermediate Lions carried their rich form to the competition despite the game starting at pedestrian pace, in the Oran Olympic stadium.

There were nervy moments earlier on from a usually trusted center half pairing of Che Malone and skipper, Moukoko.

Che Malone’s short attempt of a back pass was pounced on by Congolese forward Sousou Ilendo who fired over the top of Mbahbi’s bar.

Cameroon had a first sniff on target at the 20th minute and it was no surprise that all the hard work was done by Gerome Ngom. The winger picked out Djawal Kaiba who couldn’t beat goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila from a point blank range.

Lack of communication nearly costed Cameroon a goal. Yves Moukoko broke under pressure whilst trying to shield the ball from Bissila Mabiala. The winger nicked it off and blasted across goal but couldn’t find a teammate.

After the break, Alioum Saidou’s words sank into his men as they attacked with more urgency. Gerome Ngom was more positive with his 57th minute dart down the right – which found Domfack. The latter’s powerful drive went straight into Jobel Ondongo.

There was a quick counter from Cameroon’s corner and George Kader, Congo’s second half substitute tested Mbahbi Marcelin’s reflexes with a curling effort.

Finally, a tie breaker came for the intermediate Lions at the 63rd minute. From one part of the field to the other, Ramses Domfack put in a superb ball that was latched on by Ngom for the game’s opener. In four starts this year, Ngom has scored once and assisted two times this year. Last term, he scored four goals and dished out an incredible 14 assists in 22 games. The Qatar 2022 hero who provided that assist for Cameroon’s winner against Brazil is having the time of his life.

Cameroon had a chance to increase tally 5 minutes after taking the lead but Arthur Avom’s delightful cross was completely scuffed by Ramses Domfack. Cameroon held on to win 1-0.

The intermediate Lions will watch on when Niger face Congo on Friday, Jan. 20.