By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo,
The newly appointed coach of the indomitable lions of Cameroon, Clarence Seedorf has made a disappointing debut as the Comoros Island held Cameroon to a 1-1 draw in the qualifiers of the 2019 Total African Cup of Nations, AFCON staged on September 8, 2018.
Staged at Said Mohamed Sheikh International Stadium in Mitsamihuli Cameroon fell behind when El Fardou Ben Mohamed from Red Star Belgrade at the 15th minutes scored off a cross on an artificial Mitsamiouli pitch in humid conditions.
Being the first match of Clarence Seedorf, his 1-4-2-4 experimental system did not work at all with the kernel on the playing field as the first 45 minutes of play finished with the host country leading.
Back from recess, the Lions of Cameroon multiplied tactics but failed shot at each moment they were face with the goalkeeper of Comoros.
After three replacements, Stéphane Baoken’s goal that came in a contentious circumstance gave Cameroon an equaliser at the 80th minutes. It was thanks to Choupo-Moting pass.
In Cameroon especially in Yaounde, fans felt so disappointed with the playing style of the team as some said, the lions shot only one goal on target in the first half.
The match between the Coelacanthes and the Indomitable Lions counted for the second day of qualifying for the 2019 Total AFCON. Cameroon is first with 4 points and Comoros (3rd with a point) evolve in Group B. In the second meeting of the group, Morocco (4th with zero points) takes on Malawi (second with three points).
The indomitable lions won their first group match in Yaounde against Morocco on June 10, 2017 1-0. Comoros lost 1-0 to Malawi. The two teams (Cameroon and Comoros) competed for the first time in history.
Guaranteed a place at the 24-team finals next June as hosts, Cameroon are playing in Group B with Comoros, Morocco and Malawi to gain competitive match practice.
Two nations qualify from each of 12 mini-leagues with the highest finisher between Comoros, Morocco and Malawi will accompany Cameroon to the biennial tournament.
Since 2012, Cameroon has not lost any qualifying match of the AFCON since they suffered 2-0 defeat against Cape Verde on September 08, 2012 The Comoros are 149th in the last Fifa ranking of 16 August 2018.
