By Boris Esono Nwenfor
BUEA, PAV – Cameroon made a winning start to their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign on Thursday, September 24, defeating Comoros 3-1 at the Roumdé Adjia Stadium in Garoua.
The Indomitable Lions controlled much of the contest on home soil and eventually secured three points through goals from David Ningo, Bryan Mbeumo and Danny Namaso.
The result gives Cameroon an early advantage in their qualifying campaign and provides a positive opening for a side seeking to build on their appearance in the quarter-finals of the previous Africa Cup of Nations.
Cameroon had to wait until the closing stages of the first half to find a breakthrough. After a largely controlled opening period, David Ningo put the hosts ahead in the 39th minute, giving Cameroon a 1-0 lead going into the interval.
The goal provided some reward for the Indomitable Lions’ pressure and allowed them to approach the second half with greater confidence. Comoros, who had shown enough organisation to frustrate the hosts during the opening exchanges, were now required to chase the game.
Cameroon strengthened their position shortly after the restart when Bryan Mbeumo doubled the lead. The Manchester United forward, who was named as the captain of the Indomitable Lions under Coach David Pagou for Cameroon’s three games, has become an increasingly important attacking option for the Indomitable Lions, and his contribution again proved significant.
His goal appeared to put Cameroon firmly in control and left Comoros facing the difficult task of scoring at least twice to rescue a point. The visitors, however, responded almost immediately.
Just two minutes after Mbeumo’s goal, Warmed Omari pulled one back for Comoros in the 51st minute. The goal changed the complexion of the match and briefly raised the possibility of a comeback.
With the deficit reduced to one, Comoros had renewed motivation to push forward, while Cameroon were forced to remain disciplined to prevent the visitors from finding an equaliser.
The Indomitable Lions nevertheless managed the pressure and maintained their advantage as the match progressed. Cameroon eventually regained their two-goal cushion in the 81st minute when Danny Namaso found the net.
The late goal effectively ended Comoros’ hopes of taking anything from the match and allowed the hosts to see out the final stages with greater comfort. The 3-1 scoreline reflected Cameroon’s ability to respond after Comoros had threatened to make the contest closer following Omari’s goal.
For Coach David Pagou, the victory provides an encouraging foundation as Cameroon begins their pursuit of qualification for the 2027 tournament. The result also continues Cameroon’s strong record in meetings with Comoros and gives the team momentum ahead of their next qualifying assignment.
The Indomitable Lions entered the match under pressure to make their home advantage count, particularly after the changes surrounding the national team following the previous Africa Cup of Nations.
Their performance in Garoua, which consisted of early control, an ability to respond to pressure and enough attacking quality to decide matches, offered an indication of what will be required during the qualifying campaign.
Cameroon will now turn their attention to their next Group qualifying fixture against Congo on 29 September in Brazzaville. The match will provide another test for Pagou’s side and an opportunity to build on the three points collected in Garoua.
Comoros, meanwhile, must regroup quickly. The Coelacantes will host Namibia in their next qualifying encounter and will be seeking a response after conceding three goals in their opening match.
