Cameroon U23 thrash Rwanda to take control of AFCON qualifier

Cameroon secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Rwanda in the first leg of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U23 qualifiers, with captain Edzimbi Fergani scoring twice to put the Young Indomitable Lions in a commanding position ahead of the return fixture.

Guy Feutchine’s side produced a strong second-half performance at the Stade de la Paix, eventually breaking down a determined Rwandan team after a goalless opening period.

Despite enjoying the support of their home crowd, Cameroon had to wait until the 67th minute to find the breakthrough.

However, once the opening goal arrived, the hosts gained control and added two more strikes to secure an important advantage in the second-round qualifying tie.

The result gives the Cameroonians a significant boost ahead of the return leg, which is scheduled to take place in Yaoundé on 17 November.

Cameroon break Rwanda’s resistance after half-time

The first half offered little separation between the two sides, with Cameroon and Rwanda struggling to find the breakthrough despite their efforts to take control of the contest.

Both teams went into the interval without a goal, leaving the home supporters waiting for their side to produce a more decisive performance after the restart.

Cameroon eventually found the opening they needed in the 67th minute through their captain, Edzimbi Fergani.

The midfielder finished a move created by Mael Fernandez Monyebe, whose decisive pass allowed Fergani to put the hosts ahead and spark celebrations inside the stadium.

The breakthrough changed the momentum of the encounter, giving Feutchine’s players greater confidence as they looked to extend their advantage.

Rattensi Nko doubles Cameroon’s lead

With Rwanda attempting to respond, Cameroon continued to press for another goal and were rewarded in the 87th minute.

Rattensi Nko found the back of the net at the far post after a scramble inside the Rwandan penalty area, doubling the hosts’ advantage and strengthening their grip on the match.

The second goal left Rwanda facing a difficult challenge, particularly with the hosts now enjoying a comfortable lead.

Cameroon were not finished, however, as their captain delivered another decisive contribution deep into stoppage time.

Fergani seals impressive Cameroon victory

Fergani completed his brace in the 93rd minute, adding Cameroon’s third goal and putting the result beyond doubt.

His late strike capped an impressive individual performance from the captain, who had already provided the breakthrough that allowed his team to take control of the encounter.

The 3-0 victory represents an important result for Feutchine and his players as they pursue qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations U23 tournament.

After a closely contested first half, Cameroon’s ability to find three goals after the break demonstrated their effectiveness in the decisive moments.

Cameroon prepare for return leg in Yaoundé

With a three-goal advantage secured in the first meeting, Cameroon will travel into the return fixture with a strong position in the tie.

However, Rwanda will have another opportunity to respond when the two sides meet again in Yaoundé on 17 November.

Feutchine’s team will be looking to protect their advantage and complete the job, while Rwanda face the difficult task of overturning the deficit.

For Cameroon, the emphatic home victory provides a valuable foundation as they continue their campaign in the second round of the 2027 AFCON U23 qualifiers.