Cameroon v Cape Verde: Must-win Encounter for the Indomitable Lions

With Cameroon having scored an average of 0.36 goals in their last 11 matches in WC Qualification and Cape Verde yet to concede on their travels in the same competition, the match promises to be a battle of contrasting strengths

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, Cameroon – The Indomitable Lions will clash with the Bleu Sharks of Cape Verde on Saturday, June 8 in what will be a must-not-lose encounter for the five-time African champions. The game at the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium will also serve as the first major test for Head Coach Marc Brys since being appointed to replace Rigobert Song.

While Cameroon has several individuals capable of hurting Cape Verde, Bubista's men arguably have a more coherent side, having played under the 54-year-old manager since 2020. The Blue Sharks will back themselves to avoid losing in Yaounde against an opponent that has dealt with internal strife in the lead-up to Saturday's encounter.

Divided indomitable Lions camp

The Indomitable Lions head into this game with their house not in order. For the past two months, Cameroon's comical leadership has taken a worse turn of late, with FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o re-appointing Marc Brys days after seemingly dismissing the Belgian in late May. FECAFOOT has also been at loggerheads with the Sports Ministry over the appointment of the technical staff of the Indomitable Lions.

The Indomitable Lions have secured four points from six heading into the June fixtures, while the so-far undefeated Blue Sharks are yet to concede after two games, notching the same points as their hosts. The game has been made quite interesting with Lybia who held Cameroon in the last encounter claiming a 2-1 win over Mauritius on Thursday. Lybia currently sits top of group D with 7 points.

Belgian Marc Brys replaced Rigobert Song at the start of April after a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations that saw the former centre-back's side eliminated by age-old rivals Nigeria in the first knockout round. The reality, however, is that Cameroon was fortunate to make it that far, underlined by their basic approach that was overly reliant on crossing from wide areas with little or no invention.

It remains to be seen how the new boss rejigs the Lions' on-field strategy heading into Saturday's fixture, with training in the lead-up to this weekend's fixture reportedly derailed by the antics between the Cameroon Football Federation, FECAFOOT and the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education.

Cameroon defeated Mauritius 3-0 in their first match in qualifying before playing out a 1-1 draw against Libya in November 2023, but they face a different test in round three. Cape Verde will back themselves to stun the Indomitable Lions, keen to capitalize on the evident disarray and disunity in the Central African nation, as they could leapfrog the giants by securing maximum points.

Cape Verde and its coach Bubista have hitherto avoided losing after two rounds of qualifying and have doubly impressed by keeping consecutive clean sheets against Angola (0-0) and Eswatini (2-0). A third shutout on the trot could be a long shot for the Blue Sharks, whose ambition to participate in their maiden World Cup finals has been improved by the issues in Cameroon's camp. Saturday presents Cape Verde with an opportunity for a huge scalp, and they hope to show the best version of themselves against Africa's most experienced side on the world stage.

Carlos Baleba expected to make his debut

Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba is expected to make his debut for the Indomitable Lions this Saturday. The 20-year-old has been in camp for the past few days after he was pre-selected by coach Marc Brys. It had been uncertain if the young prodigy would honour any called-up from his national team after he had been consistently overlooked by former coaches.

Like the ball-winning Bissouma, Baleba made his name at Lille and both started their careers in West African academies; the former caught the attention of French scouts after playing in Mali's Jean-Marc Guillou Academy and the latter progressed up the ranks at EF Brasseries du Cameroun. 

The teenager, who played 13 times for Lille's B team, also has several strengths in different areas of the game. Over the past year, the left-footed Baleba has ranked inside the top 10% of central midfielders per 90 minutes in the top five European leagues (England, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain) for shots, successful take-ons, progressive carries, fouls won, tackles, and blocks. 

Cameroon with 1 win in 2 World Cup Qualification matches this season and a victory in their sole home game, will aim to capitalize on their home advantage. On the other hand, Cape Verde, boasting an impressive record of 6 wins in 11 matches and a 75% away win rate this season, will be a tough opposition.

With Cameroon having scored an average of 0.36 goals in their last 11 matches in WC Qualification Africa and Cape Verde yet to concede on their travels in the same competition, the match promises to be a battle of contrasting strengths.