Cameroon take early Group G advantage after lively Comoros victory

Cameroon began their qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-1 win over Comoros in Garoua on Thursday.

The Indomitable Lions dominated for long periods at the Roumde Adjia Stadium and moved top of Group G on goal difference, ahead of Namibia, who beat Congo 1-0 earlier in the day.

Coach David Pagou kept faith with his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation for the opening match of the 2026-27 season, handing Blondy Nna Noukeu his first international appearance.

Stephane Keller, Samuel Kotto and Tchamba formed the back three, with Saidou Alioum, Arthur Avom, David Nyengue and Mahamadou Nagida operating across midfield. Danny Namaso and Bryan Mbeumo played behind Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane.

Cameroon made the stronger start and threatened in the opening stages. Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor was forced off his line in the seventh minute to stop a counter-attack, before Kofane missed a major chance four minutes later.

Pandor had parried a Cameroon header, but Kofane could only lift the loose ball over the target from close range. The forward then went close again in the 13th minute, although his attempted dribble took the ball beyond Pandor and out for a goal kick.

Namaso was unable to convert another promising opening in the 28th minute, choosing to shoot rather than pass to Kofane on his left and sending his curling effort wide from the edge of the area.

Cameroon finally made their pressure count six minutes before half-time. Namaso was given time and space on the right to deliver a cross, which Nyengue headed into the corner of Pandor’s goal. The goal was Nyengue’s first for his country and came after questions had been raised about his selection.

The hosts went into the interval 1-0 ahead with 65% possession, and doubled their lead three minutes after the restart. Substitute Bil Nsongo, introduced at half-time, supplied the pass for captain Mbeumo, who beat two defenders before finishing past Pandor in the 48th minute.

Comoros responded almost immediately. Cameroon were punished by a lapse in concentration in the 51st minute when Warmed Omari beat Nna Noukeu, whose attempt to keep out the effort was not convincing.

The Indomitable Lions quickly regained control. Mbeumo fired over from a first-time effort in the 55th minute, while Nagida struck the right post after meeting a cross from the right four minutes later.

Nna Noukeu was then required to tip a powerful shot over his crossbar in the 77th minute. Cameroon restored their two-goal cushion in the 81st minute when Namaso converted a pass from fellow substitute Junior Tchamadeu.

Cameroon managed the closing stages to secure the victory. They travel to face Congo on Tuesday in their second Group G fixture.