Road To Qatar: Lions Stagger, Limp, But Make It Anyway!

High drama has been witnessed in Blida as the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon fought from 1-0 in the tie to defeat Algeria in Blida 2-1, which sees them through as per the away goal rule that still applies in FIFA qualifiers.

Toko Ekambi scored deep into added-on time in extra time, to give the Lions a 2-1 victory on the night, and 2-2 on aggregate.

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Choupo Moting benefitted from a poor outing from Mbolhi to slot in from a corner and the Lions were level in the tie.

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Cameroon started the more nervous of the two sides. At the 28th minute, Ngadeu’s attempt to an acrobatic clearance was missed, and Slimani teed up Balaili who wasn’t calm enough to beat Andre Onana, as his shot met the outside of the net.

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Three minutes after the first half pose, Islam Slimani thought he had another in the tie as he pounced on an initial parry from Onana to score, but VAR and referee Gassama adjudged it to be an off-site offense.

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Riyad Mahrez was keen on making an impression on the tie and he nearly did, if his right footed drive from the edge of the area wasn’t kept out by Onana.

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A great cross from Fai Collins down the right met the head of Tawamba, whose effort was kept out by Mbolhi. Martin Hongla’s follow through was kept out by a combination of Mbolhi and his defenders, who put their bodies on the line. That was pretty much that for the 90

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The very first minute of the Extra time, Slimani’s headed attempt found the roof of the net from Ben yeder’s cross.

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Slimani powered his way between Nohou and Ngadeu to shoulder-charge the ball in, at least it seemed that way at first sight.

Cameroon’s protests meant referee Gassama visited VAR, and the goal was eventually ruled out.

Algeria continued to rain crosses into Cameroon’s area and Onana found himself doing a little more, as the first half of Extra time went on to finish with the Indomitable Lions unscathed.

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Ismail Bennacer tested Andre Onana with a wonderful half volley, but just like he did in the first period of Extra time, Onana pulled off a superb save.

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Left wing back Ahmed Turba was left alone in the far post and converted from Rachid Ghazal’s cross to finally break a stiff resistance from the Lions at the 119th minute.

122nd
There was more drama on the night. At the 122nd minute, Ngadeu’s flicked header met the right foot of Toko Ekambi who converted to send the Lions through to Qatar.

This is Cameroon’s 8th participation in a World Cup finals and it had to be hard fought.