Intermediate Lions Suffer Heartbreak as RCA Secures Victory in Dramatic CHAN Qualifier
Esther E. Otto
In a tensed battle on the Bafoussam turf, the Intermediate Lions of Cameroon clashed with the RCA in the decisive return leg of the 2024 African Nations Championship qualifiers. Holding a narrow (0-1) advantage, the Cameroonian squad faced off against the formidable Fauves of Bazou Bangui.
Amidst a slow start, Legrand Nkuissi and his teammates gradually found their footing. A crucial moment unfolded when Aloys Fouda, a standout from the first leg in Abidjan, set up a golden opportunity for 17-year-old rising star Angel Yondjo of EFBC. Despite Yondjo’s effort, his shot was blocked on the goal line.
However, Yondjo soon found his mark. In the 30th minute, a precise pass from Nchindo John Bosco found Yondjo, who clinically opened the scoring, putting Cameroon in the lead. The Intermediate Lions, having clinched victory in the previous encounter, appeared to be on course for success. Yet, the RCA players displayed resilience. Just before halftime, a contentious penalty awarded to the RCA after a foul by Idriss Mfor was converted, leveling the score to (1-1) and shifting the momentum.
The second half witnessed a fierce midfield battle as both teams exchanged. Despite Cameroon’s dominance and numerous chances created, Yondjo struggled to find the net. Manager Simplice Soh made substitutions in a bid to change the game’s course. A goal mouth action came when Boris Mfoumou set up Yondjo for what seemed like a decisive goal, only for it to be disallowed for an alleged offside position.
In a dramatic climax, the Fauves du Bazou Bangui capitalized on an attack, scoring the second goal in the 85th minute, putting the RCA ahead of the Intermediate Lions (2-1). Despite a late push by Cameroon, they fell short, leading to their elimination from the CHAN 2024 contention.
The Intermediate Lions endured a bitter defeat as the RCA emerged victorious, ending their CHAN aspirations in a thrilling and heart-wrenching encounter.