By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
On Tuesday March 25, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon took a giant leap towards qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-1 victory over Libya in the sixth matchday of the qualifiers.
This win marks a significant turnaround from their previous encounters, where they struggled to find their footing with a series of draws.
Unlike their earlier 1-1 draw against Libya and lackluster performances against Angola (1-1) and Eswatini (0-0), Cameroon showcased their true potential on the field.
With a dazzling brace from captain Vincent Aboubakar and a second-half strike from Bryan Mbeumo, the Lions displayed a blend of skill and determination that left fans on the edge of their seats.
From the opening whistle, Cameroon dominated the match, applying relentless pressure on their opponents. Despite creating a flurry of opportunities, it wasn’t until the 27th minute that the Lions broke the deadlock.
Aboubakar, cool as ever, converted a penalty, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. With a 1-0 lead at halftime, Cameroon looked poised to secure a vital win.
The excitement continued to build in the second half. Just eight minutes after the restart, Bryan Mbeumo doubled Cameroon’s lead with a clinical finish, sending a clear message to their rivals.
Aboubakar then completed his brace in the 61st minute, slotting home to make it 3-0, showcasing the attacking flair that the Lions are known for.
Though Libya managed to find a consolation goal in stoppage time through Ezzeddine A. Mariami, it was too little, too late. Cameroon’s decisive victory keeps them firmly in the race for qualification, with Group D remaining tightly contested.
Group D Standings
- Cape Verde: 13 points
- Cameroon: 12 points
- Libya: 8 points
- Angola: 7 points
- Mauritius: 5 points
- Eswatini: 2 points
With this result, Cameroon is now eyeing their next challenge—a crucial home fixture against Eswatini on September 1. A victory in this match is essential, especially with a potential group-deciding clash against Cape Verde looming on the horizon.
A Call for Unity
In the lead-up to the match, captain Vincent Aboubakar and his teammates made headlines with a plea for peace between the Ministry of Sports and the Cameroonian Football Federation (Fecafoot). They expressed concern that ongoing disputes have overshadowed the national team’s performance and the sport itself.
“Given the seriousness of the situation we are facing, we cannot remain silent,” Aboubakar stated passionately. “These recent challenges extend beyond sport and impact both our performance and the image of our great nation. Victory on the field is the result of the coach’s hard work. Let him work in peace—especially with his assistant, who is crucial to our tactical approach.”
While their message aimed to unify, it sparked various interpretations, highlighting the complexities surrounding the team’s current dynamics.
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