The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon tied against Mexico on Sunday morning in a friendly at Snadragon Stadium in California, United States (2-2). The Cameroonians, however, held this meeting by the right end, but faltered in the final minutes of the game.
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For this match, manager and coach Rigobert Song has lined up a very unusual and suitable team for the circumstance due to the withdrawals recorded in the den shortly before this meeting. This is how we were able to find in the position of left side Faï Collins, replaced in his favorite position by Olivier Mbaizo. The Cameroonian technician also aligned the Nkoulou-Gonzalez pair, who were playing together for the first time, in the axis of the defense. In goal, Fabrice Ondoa made his comeback, preferred to Devis Epassy, much criticized after his last performance against Namibia in the CAN 2023 qualifiers.
Moreover, the Indomitable Lions started the meeting relaxed against a somewhat complex Mexican selection. The first half was fifty-fifty, with an almost balanced possession game, and attacks in one direction or the other. Karl Toko Ekambi failed to sound the alarm at the start of the game, with a shot resulting from an individual exploit, stopped by Carlos Acevedo.
An attempt that allowed Nicolas Nkoulou’s teammates to take the full measure of the game. After half an hour of play, the Lions also opened the scoring, thanks to an achievement by Bryan Mbeumo in a good combination with Olivier Kemen (37e). The first goal of the Brentford striker in the Cameroonian jersey. An advantage that will only last for the time of stoppage time in the first round, since Israel Reyes sets the record straight, following a marking error by Gonzalez.
On the restart, Rigobert Song’s men were more and more focused on the Mexican goal, and Moumi Ngamaleu failed to restore Cameroon’s advantage on a cross from Olivier Mbaizo. His shot from the left is off target. The Lions increased their pressing, and were rewarded on the hour mark with a goal from Toko Ekambi, who took advantage of a blunder from Mexican goalkeeper Luis Malagon, who came into play at half-time (61e). Despite this advantage, the scenario at the end of the first period is repeated, following a lack of concentration from the Lions who are caught up at the end of the match, thanks to the equalizer from Kevin Alvarez. A bitter draw for the Cameroonians who nevertheless had the keys to this match.
