By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Cameroon’s hopes of direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a major setback after their 1-0 loss to Cape Verde in Group D. The match took place in Praia on September 9. The result ended coach Marc Brys’ 13-match unbeaten run with the Indomitable Lions and leaves the team four points behind group leader Cape Verde with two matches remaining.
Striker Dailon Livramento scored the only goal in the 54th minute, dispossessing Carlos Baleba in midfield, driving through the center of Cameroon’s defense and finishing calmly past goalkeeper Andre Onana.
However, Cameroon struggled to create clear chances in response. A penalty appeal from forward Bryan Mbeumo was denied, and Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha saved a stoppage-time volley from defender Flavien Boyomo.
The final whistle sparked a pitch invasion by home fans, who waved flags and lit flares in celebration.
Cape Verde now has 19 points from eight matches. Cameroon remains on 15 points and must win its final two games — away to Mauritius and at home against Angola — and hope Cape Verde drops points in its remaining matches against Libya and Eswatini.
Only the top team from each African qualifying group automatically advances to the 2026 World Cup. The best four group runners-up will enter a playoff tournament for two additional spots.
Cape Verde, which lost 4-1 to Cameroon in Yaoundé last year, could become the second-smallest nation to ever qualify for a World Cup with a strong finish in October.
