2026 WCQ: Experts back Cameroon to prevail over Angola

Cameroon are widely tipped to defeat Angola on Monday as the Indomitable Lions chase a crucial victory in their final Group D match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Although their fate for direct qualification is no longer in their own hands, Cameroon must secure all three points in Yaoundé to stand a chance of finishing among the best runners-up and progressing to the play-offs.

The Lions head into the clash buoyed by their 2-0 triumph over Mauritius last Wednesday — a result that reignited belief within the camp.

Playing at home, with a full-strength squad and passionate supporters behind them, Rigobert Song’s side are under pressure to deliver another commanding performance.

Former Cameroon international and ex-national team coach Agbor Hans believes the encounter will be a stern test but insists the hosts have what it takes to prevail.

It’s a dangerous match with many stakes. Cameroon absolutely must win, and Angola isn’t coming to make things easy for them, Hans said. The players will therefore have to be focused from start to finish and take advantage of every opportunity to score.

He added: For me, the ideal would be to put ourselves out of harm’s way in the first half. We have to score quickly and then manage. The players have the qualities for that, and in this stadium, we’re on a long unbeaten run. So, it’s impossible for the Lions to lose a single point during this match. And I see Cameroon winning against this Angolan team that has nothing left to play for.

Raphaël Manyaka, journalist for Griffe 2 Foot and sports analyst, echoed similar optimism while predicting a controlled, if unspectacular, performance from the hosts.

We won’t be treated to a high-intensity match. The Lions haven’t accustomed us to that lately, but they know how to win at home, Manyaka noted. Angola has nothing to lose but could cause Cameroon some problems. However, I see a 1-0 or 2-0 victory for Cameroon.

The fixture, scheduled for 5 p.m. local time at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, could prove decisive.

A win would consolidate Cameroon’s position in second place, while a slip-up by Cape Verde against Eswatini might even hand them automatic qualification for the World Cup.

With confidence renewed and expectations soaring, all eyes will be on Yaoundé as the Indomitable Lions seek to end their qualifying campaign on a winning note — and keep their World Cup dream alive.