By Vincent Obi
Yaounde – Cameroon delivered a scintillating performance on Saturday, roaring to a resounding 4-1 victory over Cape Verde in their 2026 African World Cup qualifier at the Stade Omnisport Roumdé Adjia.
The Indomitable Lions showcased their attacking prowess, surging to the top of Group D with an impressive seven points, level with Libya but boasting a superior goal difference.
The hosts wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Michael Ngadeu opening the scoring in the 13th minute.
The powerful header from the center of the box was expertly assisted by Moumi Ngamaleu, setting the tone for Cameroon’s offensive onslaught.
Captain Vincent Aboubakar doubled the lead in the 25th minute, finishing clinically from the center of the box after another precise assist from Ngamaleu.
Cape Verde briefly threatened a comeback when Jamiro Monteiro netted from close range in the 37th minute, but the Indomitable Lions swiftly restored their two-goal cushion.
Aboubakar confidently converted a penalty in the 44th minute after Cape Verde’s defence was caught napping, ensuring Cameroon took a 3-1 lead into the halftime break.
The second half saw no let-up from the rampant hosts, as Nouhou Tolo headed in from the center of the box in the 54th minute, assisted by Ngadeu, making it 4-1 and effectively sealing the victory for the Indomitable Lions.
Cape Verde made several substitutions in a bid to claw their way back into the match, but Cameroon’s defense remained resolute, thwarting any potential comeback.
The final stages witnessed a flurry of substitutions and bookings, with Carlos Baleba and Jackson Tchatchoua of Cameroon receiving yellow cards.
The comprehensive victory propels Cameroon to joint top of Group D alongside Libya, setting the stage for their crucial clash against Angola in Luanda on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Cape Verde, who host Libya in their next match, will need to regroup quickly to keep their qualification hopes alive.
