LAST MATCH OF THE GROUP STAGE IN THE 2025-2026 AFRICAN NATIONS CUP IN MOROCCO

MOZAMBIQUE 1-2 CAMEROON

Report by Marinus Fonge Phd, Scotland, Great Britain.

The last of the group games in the ongoing Afcon generated an intriguing clash between Cameroon and Mozambique. Pagou, the Cameroon coach, was widely expected to play a more attacking formation, perhaps replacing the suspended Tchamadeu with Etta Eyong. He did opt for two frontmen, but it was Frank Magri that was given the nod to link up with Kofane. Pagou also shuffled his pack at the back, playing Nyamsi at centre half instead of Samuel Kotto, and Boyomo at the right of the back three instead of Che Malone. It all made for a 3-4--1-2 formation. Mozambique started the match with purpose, forcing Epassy to drop a cross that his defence managed to clear. Midway through the first half and Mozambique, having managed to survive much of the early pressure, took the lead in fine fashion. Geny Catamo dropped a shoulder, weaved into a shooting position, and then delivered a left-footed rasping shot that nestled in the bottom corner of Epassy's goal. How had Mozambique gone 16 matches before tasting victory at Afcon? Cameroon stepped it up as barely 5 minutes flew by before Baleba's ball over the top was contested by Kofane. Magri picked up the pieces but his shot deflected off Nene onto the post. On the rebound the unfortunate Nene scored an own goal as he watched his attempted clearance find the net. Parity restored. 2nd half and a raft of changes brought another change in formation. Christopher Wooh had joined Nyamsi to form a central defensive partnership in what was now a more orthodox back four. Meanwhile Mbeumo's exit meant that Magri dropped back a notch. The moment of the half was delivered by the excellent Kofane. He robbed the Mozambique defence with his relentless pressing, and then had the presence of mind to curl a beautiful shot that went in off the underside of the crossbar. 2-1 to Cameroon is how the game would finish, but Etta Eyong will have a sleepless night wondering how. He miskicked instead of just rolling the ball into an empty goal after being played through by you know who - Kofane! On such moments come the difference between cementing first place in the group or potentially slipping to second.