A significant upset has occurred as Cameroon, for the second consecutive time, will not be part of the final phase of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). The small island nation of Cape Verde, with a population of 500,000, situated off the coast of Senegal, will participate for the first time.
Despite Cape Verde’s impressive victory over Cameroon in the first leg a month ago (2-0), the Blue Sharks faced a narrow defeat in the return leg (1-2), securing their qualification.
Cape Verde took an early lead in the 11th minute with a goal from Héldon. The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon responded with a goal from Achille Emana in the 22nd minute, leveling the score.
In the end, 16-year-old Malag Fabrice Olinga, in his first selection, secured the victory for Cameroon. Olinga’s performance makes him a player to watch in the absence of the Cameroon team from the upcoming tournament.
