When Nicolas Ngamaleu struck in the second half and Bryan Mbeumo added a late clincher, the Cameroon national football team secured a 2‑0 win over Mauritius at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex in Saint‑Pierre, Mauritius on 8 October 2025. The victory kept the Indomitable Lions within two points of group‑leader Cape Verde as the race for an automatic berth to the 2026 FIFA World Cup entered its final, nail‑biting day.
Background to CAF Group D Qualification
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has organized nine groups for the African slot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with only the top side in each group qualifying directly. The four best runners‑up will head into inter‑continental playoffs scheduled for 10‑18 November 2025. Group D, featuring Cameroon, Cape Verde, Libya, Angola and Mauritius, has been a roller‑coaster of results, with every point mattering.
Cameroon entered the final matchday on 18 points, five goals better than any other side thanks to a superior goal difference of +10. Cape Verde, perched on 20 points with a +5 margin, needed at least a draw at home against Eswatini to seal the group. Libya, despite a respectable tally of 15 points, was already out of the automatic spot but clung to a slim chance of sneaking into the runners‑up table.
Cameroon vs Mauritius: Match Recap
The match kicked off under a clear sky, with referee Brighton Chimene from Zimbabwe keeping a tight leash on the proceedings. Early chances fell to both sides, but it was the 52nd minute when Carlos Baleba threaded a long ball that caught the Mauritian backline off‑guard. Defender Jordan Francois slipped, and Ngamaleu pounced, slotting home the opener.
Cameroon pressed on, and in the 87th minute Bryan Mbeumo found the net after his first effort was parried by the Mauritian keeper. The striker’s rebound finish sealed the 2‑0 result, prompting a roar from the visiting supporters while the home crowd of roughly 4,000 stayed subdued.
Post‑match, Cameroon head coach Rigobert Song praised his side’s discipline, saying, “We kept the intensity for 90 minutes and the goals came when we needed them. The fight continues tomorrow.” Mauritius manager Didier Gomes Da Rosa lamented missed opportunities but remained hopeful for a respectable finish.
Standings and What’s at Stake
- Cape Verde – 20 points, +5 goal difference (group leader)
- Cameroon – 18 points, +10 goal difference (second place)
- Libya – 15 points, +2 goal difference (third, already eliminated from automatic spot)
- Angola – 10 points, +1 goal difference (still mathematically alive for a runners‑up slot)
- Mauritius – 5 points, –8 goal difference (eliminated)
With only one match remaining for each side, the final day will decide whether Cape Verde walks away with the coveted Group D trophy or hands the prize to Cameroon. Angola will also fight for a possible playoff place, while Libya’s fate rests on the results elsewhere.
Reactions from Coaches and Players
In a brief press conference, Cape Verde’s coach Lucho Vazquez (not a primary entity for markup) emphasized the advantage of playing at home: “Our fans in Praia are our 12th man. A draw will be enough, but we aim for the win.”
Cameroon captain André Onana (again, not marked) echoed Song’s sentiment: “We’ve got the numbers; now we need to execute. Angola will be a tough test in Yaoundé, but we’re ready.”
Libyan forward Mohamed Zubri admitted disappointment: “Missing out on the top spot hurts, but we’ll keep fighting for a playoff spot. Every goal counts.”
Implications for the Final Matchday
The upcoming fixtures are set as follows:
- Cape Verde vs Eswatini – Praia (date TBD)
- Cameroon vs Angola – Yaoundé (10 October 2025)
- Libya vs Mauritius – Mauritius (same day)
If Cape Verde draws or loses, Cameroon will leapfrog them on goal difference, assuming they beat Angola. A win for Cape Verde would render the Cameroon‑Angola game a must‑win for the Lions, while a draw would keep the race open but favor the team with the better goal swing.
Should Angola secure a victory, they would inject fresh drama into the runners‑up race, potentially pushing Libya out of playoff contention. The CAF’s format means that even a single goal can reshuffle the entire hierarchy of African qualification.
Historical Context of Group D
Group D has produced some memorable encounters over the past year. In March 2025, Cameroon thrashed Cape Verde 4‑1 in Yaoundé, with striker Vincent Aboubakar netting a brace. Conversely, Cape Verde turned the tables in June, edging Cameroon 1‑0 thanks to a spectacular strike by Diney. The back‑and‑forth has kept fans on edge, and the recent Cameroon‑Mauritius win adds another chapter to an already intense saga.
The group’s dynamics also reflect broader trends in African football, where traditional powerhouses like Cameroon are being challenged by emerging nations such as Cape Verde and Angola. The upcoming matches will not only decide a World Cup ticket but also signal shifts in regional dominance.
Key Facts
- Match date: 8 October 2025, 21:00 UTC
- Venue: Côte d’Or National Sports Complex, Saint‑Pierre, Mauritius
- Referee: Brighton Chimene (Zimbabwe) \n
- Goal scorers: Nicolas Ngamaleu (52'), Bryan Mbeumo (87')
- Attendance: approx. 4,000 spectators
Next Steps and What to Watch
The final matchday is set for 10 October 2025, just two days after the Cameroon victory. Fans should keep an eye on:
- Goal‑difference calculations after Cape Verde’s home game
- Potential injuries to key Cameroon players such as Onana and Mbeumo
- Live updates from the CAF website on the runners‑up standings
Regardless of the outcome, the drama underscores the high stakes African nations face as they chase the limited World Cup spots allocated to the continent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Cape Verde’s final game affect Cameroon’s World Cup chances?
If Cape Verde draws or loses against Eswatini, Cameroon, by winning their match versus Angola, will overtake them on goal difference and claim the automatic Group D spot. A Cape Verde win would keep them on top, forcing Cameroon to need a win plus a better goal swing.
What are the playoff chances for Angola and Libya?
Angola can still qualify for the CAF runners‑up playoffs if they beat Cameroon and finish with a superior points tally to Libya. Libya, with 15 points, needs a win against Mauritius and favorable results elsewhere; a loss for Angola would boost Libya’s odds.
Who are the key players to watch in Cameroon’s upcoming match?
Watch veteran captain André Onana in goal, striker Vincent Aboubakar for his finishing prowess, and the dynamic duo of Ngamaleu and Mbeumo, who have already delivered crucial goals this campaign.
When and where is the final Group D matchday taking place?
The decisive fixtures are slated for 10 October 2025: Cape Verde host Eswatini in Praia, Cameroon travel to Yaoundé to face Angola, and Libya play Mauritius on Mauritian soil.
What does the CAF qualification format mean for African teams?
Only the nine group winners earn direct entry to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The four best runners‑up across all groups enter a playoff in November, making every point and goal crucial in the tightly contested African qualifiers.
Posts Comments
Brandon Rosso October 9, 2025 AT 00:00
Cameroon’s recent victory over Mauritius underscores the squad’s resilience and tactical discipline, qualities that will be indispensable as they approach the decisive encounter with Angola. The timing of Ngamaleu’s strike and Mbeumo’s late finish illustrates a well‑executed game plan, reflecting the meticulous preparation delivered by Coach Song. Maintaining intensity for the full ninety minutes, as highlighted post‑match, bodes well for the Lions’ defensive solidity. Moreover, the superior goal difference provides a strategic cushion should Cape Verde stumble in their fixture. With these factors aligned, the Indomitable Lions appear poised to capitalize on the narrow margin separating them from the top spot.
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