Cameroon Vs Brazil: Record-Breaking Cameroon Leave Qatar On A High

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon picked up a historic one-nil win against Brazil (first for an African team against the Seleçao in the World Cup), in the last game of group G, though they slightly missed out on qualification due to Switzerland’s 3-2 win over Serbia. The lone goal of the game was scored by marksman Vincent Aboubakar, his 39th goal since his debut in 2010.

Brazil started with almost a complete overhaul of their team, and same could be said for Cameroon – who made four changes from that three-all draw against Serbia.

How it happened

At the second minute, Antony beat his man before releasing Rodrygo down the right-hand touchline. Rodrygo sprinted to the byline and cut the ball back, where Fred arrived late and glanced a shot towards goal, but it was blocked and Cameroon cleared.

After 14 minutes of the ball game, Fred floated a cross into the sparsely populated Cameroon box, and Martinelli arrived to head goalwards from the far post. It was a great header, and the effort was heading in, but was tipped over the bar thanks to a great save from Epassy.

6 minutes after, Choupo-Moting drove forward and beat three defenders on his way into the box. He turned and looked to shoot, but Militao recoverd to hook it away for Brazil.

Back came Cameroon again seconds after. Choupo-Moting freed up Tolo who burst down the left. He whipped in a wicked cross for Aboubakar in the centre, but Ederson dived across to parry the ball away from the goalmouth.

Martinelli passed the ball to Telles, who whipped in a first-time cross at the 22nd minute. Jesus could not control it, but Fred could, as he brought the ball down and fired a volley on the turn which went over the crossbar.

Martinelli burst past Fai down the left and raced into the area. He cut the ball back for Jesus, but his first-time shot was blocked by Ebosse at the 25th minute.

The Indomitable Lions had a clear cut chance in added on time but Ederson kept the ball out. Ngamaleu crossed from the left and Mbeumo headed back across goal, and the first shot on target Brazil have conceded all World Cup was tipped away by the goalkeeper.

Upon resumption of the second segment, Anguissa cross from the left byline was aimed towards Aboubakar, who was beaten in the air by Militao. The ball dropped to Mbeumo, who again found Aboubakar on the right-hand side, and his well-struck effort went across the face of goal and wide of the far post.

Just three minutes later, Jesus controlled a long ball well to link up with Rodrygo. He gave it back to the Arsenal striker, who took on a shot on the turn, and the ball bobbled everywhere via a series of deflections before Epassy eventually gathered.

A series of events nearly led to Brazil opening scores after a 55th minute mark. Brazil countered at speed and the ball came to Martinelli who surged down the left. He headed for the box and engaged his marker, before he fired a good effort which was tipped over by the goalkeeper at full stretch.

The initial corner was headed away, but Ribiero returned down the right-hand byline before he pulled the ball back to Militao. He took a touch before shooting, and Epassy spilled the shot before he tipped the rebound from Militao onto the post and out.

The introduction of Olivier Ntcham and Toko Ekambi gave the Indomitable Lions more options. Toko Ekambi beat Alves before he squared inside to Ntcham – 8 minutes after the hour mark. Ntcham hit a decent effort from 20 yards, which was driven low and into the gloves of Ederson, who dived decently to keep it out.

There was a first booking for Aboubakar after he stopped a counter by Brazil. Martinelli raced away on the counter for Brazil. Aboubakar chased hard, but knew he couldn’t keep pace with the Arsenal wideman so brought him down with a rugby-esque tackle, conceding a free-kick and picking up a yellow card to boot.

Second half substitute Bruno Guimaraes had a couple of chances before the Indomitable Lions pulled off a shocker.

Cameroon’s second half substitute, Jerome Ngom was lively and set up Aboubakar for the game’s lone goal.

Ngom Mbekeli burst down the right wing and fired an absolute peach of a cross into the box, and Aboubakar ghosted between the two centre-backs and notched a lovely cushioned header beyond Ederson and into the bottom corner. Vincent Aboubakar was latter booked for a second time for having pulled off his shirt, but the skipper wasn’t meant to know – as he quite rightly had an adrenaline rush.

Cameroon led 1-0, and if Serbia could equalise against Switzerland, they would have gone through to the last 16, but that wasn’t meant to be.

Despite victory in the match, Cameroon was eliminated from the group stage, for a sixth straight time – they last reached the knockout stages in 1990.

Cameroon are the first African team to beat Brazil at the World Cup – African teams had lost all seven previous matches against Brazil, conceding 20 goals.