The Cameroon A’ team faced a defeat this Sunday in the Nehru Cup final against the host country, India. After a 2-2 draw in regulation time, the Indomitable Lions lost the trophy in a penalty shootout (5-4).
Despite an earlier victory over the same opponent that secured their place in the final, the Cameroon A’ team couldn’t replicate their success. The Indian team, aiming for a treble as the double title holder of the competition, proved determined in the final held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi. Gouramangi Moirangthem gave the hosts an early lead in the 19th minute, but the Lions responded with goals from Thierry Makon and Kingue Mpondo, taking the lead in the 54th minute. However, Sunil Chletri scored ten minutes before the end of the match, forcing both teams into a penalty shootout.
During the penalty shootout, the Indian team displayed superior skill, converting 5 shots to Cameroon’s 4. Despite Thierry Makon being named “man of the match” in the final, he missed his penalty, contributing to India’s victory. Robin Singh, Sunil Chhetri, Denzil Franco, Mehtab Hussain, and Denzil Franco successfully converted their penalty kicks. On the Cameroon side, Ashu Tambe, Ousmila Baba, Paul Bebey, and Kingue Mpondo found the Indian net.
This final marked the conclusion of the Nehru Cup, a tournament that brought together Cameroon, India, the Maldives, Nepal, and Syria since August 25.
