Congo v Cameroon: Indomitable Lions backed to make it two wins in AFCON 2027 qualifying

Cameroon will seek a second successive victory in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers when they visit Congo at the Stade Alphonse Massamba-Debat in Brazzaville on Tuesday.

The match carries an element of nostalgia for the visitors, with Congo managed by Claude Le Roy, the coach who guided Cameroon to the Africa Cup of Nations title in 1988. The 78-year-old is working alongside former Senegal international Omar Daf.

Le Roy’s first match in charge ended in a 1-0 defeat by Namibia away from home last Thursday. Congo had 47% possession and attempted 11 shots, but only two were on target and they produced 0.62 expected goals.

The Diables Rouges must improve their attacking threat if they are to trouble Cameroon. They have not appeared at the Africa Cup of Nations since 2015 and have lost seven of their past nine qualifying matches for the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup, excluding games lost by forfeit.

Congo can take some encouragement from their record against Cameroon in official senior internationals, having never lost, with two wins and one draw. However, those meetings took place in the 1970s, before the teams’ fortunes changed significantly.

Cameroon opened their qualifying campaign with a 3-1 home win against Comoros in Garoua. David Roy Nyengue, Bryan Mbeumo and Danny Namaso scored, although the performance was less convincing than the result.

The Indomitable Lions had 24 attempts but managed only four on target. They needed until the 39th minute to break down a Comoros side sitting deep, while after their opponents reduced the deficit to 2-1 early in the second half, Cameroon did not secure victory until the 81st minute.

David Pagou’s side have nevertheless been reliable away from home. They have lost only once in their past five away qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup, against Cape Verde, recording two wins and two draws.

Congo’s recent official-match form is DDDNDD, while their form in all competitions is also DDDNDD. Cameroon’s corresponding records are VDVVNV and VVDDVV.

Le Roy may change his team, with substitutes Yvan Ikia Dimi, Merveil Ndockyt and Beni Namboka pushing for starts after making an impact against Namibia. FIFA-eligible goalkeeper Melvin Zinga of Angers could also feature.

Cameroon remain without Andre Onana, Vincent Aboubakar and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who have not been selected since the end of 2025. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa has retired internationally, Carlos Baleba is injured, and Nouhou Tolo, Devis Epassy and Christian Bassogog were not called up.

Christian Kofane will be rested after going off against Comoros. Bil Nsongo of La Corogne could replace him and join Bryan Mbeumo and Danny Namaso in attack. Blondy Noukeu and David Roy Nyengue are expected to retain their places after making their debuts as starters.

A Cameroon win is priced at 1.22 with Betclic. The teams are separated by almost 100 places in the FIFA rankings, with Cameroon 43rd and Congo 134th.

Probable teams

Congo: Perrauld Ndinga; Mbemba Kambamba, Christ Makosso, Bryan Passi, Morgan Poaty; Domi Jaures Massoumou, Chandrel Massanga Matondo, Fred Dembi; Gaius Makouta, Christopher Ibayi, Bantsiele.

Cameroon: Blondy Nna Noukeu; Stephane Keller, Samuel Kotto, Duplexe Tchamba; Saidou Alioum, Arthur Avom, David Nyengue, Mahamadou Nagida; Bryan Mbeumo, Danny Namaso; Bil Nsongo.