AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Congo and Cameroon renew rivalry in crucial Group G derby – Preview

Congo and Cameroon renew their rivalry on Tuesday when they meet in Brazzaville in a potentially important Group G clash in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Indomitable Lions started the qualifying campaign on a bright note after defeating Comoros 3-1, courtesy David Ningo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Danny Namaso goals, while Congo succumbed to a narrow defeat to Namibia in their opening match.

The Red Devils therefore enter this derby looking to respond after their opening defeat, while Cameroon will be seeking another three points to strengthen their early position.

For Congo, playing in Brazzaville provides the setting for a quick response. They created opportunities against Namibia but failed to turn them into goals, and that lack of cutting edge will need to change against a Cameroon side that showed its attacking quality in the opening round.

Cameroon, under David Pagou, will also know that an away derby requires a different approach. The Indomitable Lions will want to impose their quality without giving Congo the opportunity to turn the home crowd into an advantage.

The presence of Bryan Mbeumo gives Cameroon an important attacking outlet after the Brentford forward scored on his competitive debut for the national team under Pagou. The visitors will expect him to be among the players capable of making the difference again.

Congo, however, have an opportunity to put their opening disappointment behind them immediately. Three points would completely change the early picture for the Red Devils and put them back into the qualification battle.

With Cameroon already sitting on three points and Congo still searching for their first point, the pressure is greater on the hosts.

The derby will be played at the Alphonse-Massamba-Débat Stadium in Brazzaville, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT on Tuesday, September 29.