Cameroon make winning start to CAN 2027 qualifying with 3-1 victory over Comoros

Cameroon began their CAN 2027 qualifying campaign with a 3-1 win over Comoros at the Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua on Thursday.

The Indomitable Lions controlled much of the match and moved to the top of Group G on goal difference, ahead of Namibia, who beat Congo 1-0 earlier in the day. Cameroon will face Congo in their second qualifying match next Tuesday.

David Pagou retained his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation for the opening game of the 2026-27 season, with Blondy Nna Noukeu making his international debut in goal.

Stephane Keller, Samuel Kotto and Tchamba formed the back three, while Saidou Alioum, Arthur Avom, David Nyengue and Mahamadou Nagida lined up across midfield. Danny Namaso and Bryan Mbeumo operated behind Bayer Leverkusen forward Christian Kofane.

Cameroon immediately took control. Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor was forced off his line in the seventh minute to stop a counter-attack, before Kofane missed the first clear chance four minutes later.

Pandor had parried a Cameroon header, but Kofane fired the rebound wide from a promising position. The forward then went close again in the 13th minute, only to push the ball out of play after taking his dribble beyond Pandor too far.

Namaso had an opportunity in the 28th minute but opted to shoot instead of playing in Kofane on the left. His curling effort from the edge of the area failed to trouble the Comoros goal.

The hosts eventually found a breakthrough six minutes before half-time. Namaso was given time on the right and delivered an accurate cross towards Nyengue, who headed into the far corner to score his first goal for Cameroon. The midfielder’s effort also answered criticism from those who had questioned his selection.

Cameroon went into the interval with a 1-0 lead and 65% possession. They doubled their advantage three minutes after the restart when Mbeumo collected a pass from substitute Bil Nsongo, who had come on at half-time.

Wearing the captain’s armband, Mbeumo beat two defenders before placing his finish beyond Pandor in the 48th minute.

Comoros reduced the deficit three minutes later after Cameroon were caught out by a lapse in concentration. Warmed Omari beat Nna Noukeu, who was unable to keep out the effort, to make it 2-1.

The Indomitable Lions responded with renewed pressure. Mbeumo shot over in the 55th minute, while Nagida struck the right-hand post after meeting a cross from the right four minutes later.

Nna Noukeu then tipped a powerful attempt over the crossbar in the 77th minute, before Namaso restored Cameroon’s two-goal cushion nine minutes before the end of normal time. He controlled a pass from fellow substitute Junior Tchamadeu and finished to Pandor’s right.

Cameroon saw out the closing stages to secure three points and an ideal start to their qualifying campaign.