Cameroon thumped Cape Verde 4-1 in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier played at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde on Saturday afternoon, rising to the top of Group D in the process.
The Indomitable Lions struck through Michael Ngadeu, Vincent Aboubakar [two], and Nouhou Tolo, with the result taking them to seven points and ahead of former group leaders Libya on goal difference.
The Blue Sharks, who had a consolation goal from Jamiro Monteiro, are fourth on four points after a first defeat of the campaign.
Cameroon bossed the early phase of the match and were rewarded with a 13th-minute goal from Michael Ngadeu, who managed to beat Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha after an assist from Nicolas Ngamaleu.
And Ngamaleu was the heart of the hosts’ second goal, teeing up Vincent Aboubakar to make it 2-0 in the 25th minute and put the central African side in full control of the match.
Yet Cape Verde were not deterred or intimidated and pulled a goal back on 37 minutes, as Jamiro Monteiro netted from Bebe’s assist to bring the islanders back into the game.
But any hopes of parity for the visitors before the break were blown away when they conceded a penalty and Aboubakar scored from 12 yards for his second goal – and a 3-1 lead for Cameroon at halftime.
And the Indomitable Lions needed just nine minutes of the second half to score a fourth goal and effectively end the game as a contest, with Nouhou Tolo converting from Ngadeu’s assist to make it 4-1.
The Blue Sharks could have pulled an additional goal back in injury time at the death, but Kevin Pina missed from the spot to compound a disappointing day for the visitors.
The teams will return to action on Tuesday, June 11, with Cape Verde at home to Libya in Praia, while Cameroon will be away to Angola in Luanda.
