TOTAL CHAN 2018: Cameroon Qualify in Style

The intermediate lions of Cameroon have qualified for the 5th edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), Kenya 2018.

Coach Rigobert Song’s side eased through after beating Sao Tome and Principe 4-0 on aggregate. Armel Ngonji and Messi Bouli scored for Cameroon in the return leg played in Limbe on Saturday 19 August 2017.

Cameroon have once more demonstrated their supremacy in the game of soccer, this time around in qualifiers to the African Nations Championship.

A fine weather paved the way for a smooth and highly engaging football game on Saturday at the Limbe Omnisport Stadium. The match started pretty early because the visitors had planned to fly back to Sao Tome and Principe that same day.

The game was largely dominated by Cameroon from start to finish, with outstanding contributions from UMS’ right back Etta Bawak, Union Doula’s midfielder David Eto’o and ten-shirted player Bitang Clarence. Despite the dominance, the domestic lions had nothing to show for at half time.

After returning from the dressing room, Armel Ngonji opened scores for Cameroon at the 52nd minute. Four minutes later, Messi Bouli doubled Cameroon’s lead.

Sao Tome who looked inferior fought back in vain. Towards the end, substitutes Eduardo Asunsao, Antonio Lopes and Jorge Lopes animated play for Coach Gustave Nyoumba but Cameroon’s defense, manned by Abouem Maya and Ambassa Fabrice, was a solid rock.

Coach Gustave Nyoumba-Sao Tome & Principe

At press time, the Coach of Sao Tome, Gustave Clément Nyoumba, said it was after all an honour to play against the African champions. According to him, no African team will ever be a threat to them having come across Cameroon.

Mr Nyoumba, a Cameroonian who has gained Sao Tome and Principe nationality is piloting a long-term football project for the islanders.

Cameroon Coach-Rigobert Song 

On his part, the charismatic Rigobert Song praised his players while admitting the challenges he encountered in bringing them together. He pledged to maximize the opportunity to prepare for the finals next year, and winning the trophy is his target.

CHAN Lions and YOSA FC Captain-Awono Junior

CHAN is a biennial tournament for domestic league players organized by CAF. The 5th edition will be hosted by Kenya, and is scheduled to take place between January 11 and February 2, 2018.

Qualified teams

Host: Kenya

Central Zone: Cameroon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea

Central-East Zone: Sudan, Uganda

North Zone: Libya, Morocco

South Zone: Angola, Namibia, Zambia

West A Zone: Mauritania, Guinea or Senegal

West B Zone: Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria 

Former winners: Libya (2014)

Former finalist: Angola (2011)

Previous appearances

3: Côte d'Ivoire (2009, 2011, 2016), Uganda (2011, 2014, 2016)

2: Angola (2011, 2016), Nigeria (2014, 2016), Zambia (2009, 2016), Cameroon (2011, 2016), Libya (2009, 2014)

1: Burkina Faso (2014), Congo (2014), Mauritania (2014), Sudan (2011)

First participation in 2018

Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Namibia