World Cup Qualifiers: Libya tie Cameroon from a goal down, to blow open group D

On the second matchday of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, the match between the Cameroonian national football team, the Indomptable Lions, and Libya’s national team, the Chevaliers, ended in a 1-1 draw.

The match was held in Benghazi, with Olivier Ntcham of Cameroon scoring the opening goal through a penalty kick at the 34th minute. However, Libya quickly equalized, leaving both teams to settle for a draw. The result was a setback for the Indomitable Lions, who were hoping to build on a previous victory in the qualifiers.

Cameroon,who had taken the top seat in Group D due to a superior goal difference, were looking for a second win. The match against Libya was the seventh confrontation in the history of the World Cup qualifiers, with the previous record favoring Cameroon with four wins, one draw, and one defeat. The anticipation for the match was high, given the team’s impressive start in the qualifiers with a 3-0 victory over Mauritius. However, the game against Libya, ranked 126th in the October FIFA ranking, was expected to be a tough fight.

Despite having the lead, Cameroon had to settle for a single point from the away game. A parity represents a missed opportunity for the team to secure another win in their campaign to qualify for the World Cup 2026. The encounter was tightly contested, with the Lions missing their key player, André Onana, who had to sit out due to injury. Fabrice Ondoa, who came in to finish the game against Mauritius, was the probable starter against Libya.

With the game ending in a draw, the journey ahead in the qualifiers remains intense and unpredictable. Football fans can expect more exciting games full of energy and passion as the teams continue their quest for the World Cup 2026.