Cameroon were held to a 1-1 draw by Congo in Brazzaville on Tuesday as the hosts produced an impressive display in the second round of CAN 2027 qualifying.
Congo coach Claude Le Roy had promised a “big statement” against Cameroon and, despite his anger at the CAF decision to impose a last-minute ban on spectators, his side came close to delivering it.
The Red Devils made an energetic start and forced Cameroon’s new goalkeeper Blondy Nna Noukeu into an early save from captain Merveil Ndockyt’s powerful effort inside the opening minute.
Congo took the lead after 24 minutes when Geltany Bantsiele finished at the far post. Cameroon, managed by David Pagou, struggled to cope with the pace of the home attack and were fortunate not to fall further behind after two opportunities to make it 2-0 went narrowly wide.
Pagou responded by introducing Bil Nsongo and Mahamadou Nagida at half-time. The changes had an immediate impact, with Rennes full-back Nagida breaking down the left before sending in a fierce shot which Melvin Zinga deflected into his own goal with his forearm in the 53rd minute.
It was an unfortunate first appearance for the substitute goalkeeper from Angers.
The closing stages were open, with both sides capable of taking the points. Congo had the better of the chances and forced Noukeu into two important saves, but had to settle for a single point.
Le Roy’s team have one point from two matches, while Cameroon have four.
Mali maintain winning start
In Group K, Mali followed their 3-1 victory over Cape Verde with a 1-0 win against Liberia in Monrovia.
The Eagles appeared to lack some physical freshness but controlled much of the game under Anthony Da Silva. They were not especially creative, however, and allowed the Lone Stars several opportunities, particularly from set-pieces.
The decisive moment came in the 79th minute when Reims forward Ange Martial Tia converted after Kamory Doumbia played a precise pass and a Liberia defender failed to deal with the situation.
Tia has now scored twice in two international appearances, continuing an excellent start to his Mali career. The result moved Mali level at the top of the group with Rwanda, who had earlier recorded a surprise victory over Cape Verde.
Gabon and Benin earn first victories
Gabon recovered from their 2-0 defeat by Morocco by beating Niger 2-0 in Franceville. Rody Junior Effaghe opened the scoring after 53 minutes before Denis Bouanga added the second in the 77th minute, lifting Gabon above Niger into second place in Group A.
In Group F, Benin built on their positive 1-1 draw in Burkina Faso by defeating Mauritania 2-1 in Abidjan.
Rodolfo Aloko scored twice, in the 31st and 46th minutes, to put Gernot Rohr’s side in control. Aboubakary Koita pulled one back for Mauritania in the 80th minute, but Benin held on to move above their opponents and join Burkina Faso at the top.
Burkina Faso had beaten Central African Republic 1-0 the previous day.