CHAN 2018: Wasteful Cameroon lose 0-1 to Congo

Congo have controversially beaten Cameroon 1-0 in a Group D opener Tuesday 16 January, at the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Cameroon, tipped favourites of the game, dominated possession hitting the woodwork twice. 

The chances kept coming for Coach Rigobert Song’s side who would later pay the price for squandering all.

The decisive moment of the game came when Egyptian referee Ghead Grisha decided goalkeeper Katali had fouled Mboungou.

After the protestations had ended Makiesse confidently converted from the spot, making the difference that prevailed.

Meanwhile Angola and Burkina Faso had to settle for a goalless draw in the first Group D match.

Burkina Faso forward Youssouf Kabore wasted a golden opportunity nine minutes from time as he beat the goalkeeper but could not drive home.

Angola enjoyed plenty of possession but also missed a good chance. The next Group D encounters are on Saturday as Cameroon take on Angola and Burkina Faso play Congo.

Starting XI: Cameroon v Congo

Cameroon: Kalati, Tientcheu, Owundi, Abouem, Bawak, Awono, Namedji, Ngoundo, Moukoko, Pangop (Bitang 69’), Elame (Bouli 53’).

Congo: Mouko, Bissiki, Kibamba, Bakoua, Rozan, Lakolo, Gandze, Loussoukou (Obassi 70’), Nkounkou (Mboungou 12’), Makiesse, Ngombe.

Rigobert Song, Head Coach, Cameroon:

"In my opinion, the match was of a good level. Both teams played well; unfortunately we lost. Honestly, I have no reason to criticize my team. The players gave their maximum. Such is football; sometimes you play well but in the end lose. We have a team of very good players, who are the future. You just have to rely on them. I trust them. There are still two games left. We will make some corrections to our team for the next game."

Barthelemy Ngatsono, Head Coach, Congo:

"I want to congratulate Cameroon for a good performance. I saw today a good Indomitable Lions team. For us, this victory is important because it allows it gives a good start to the competition. We are now leaders of the group and it serves a good morale. But it doesn’t stop there. We have to continue working. The fact of beating Cameroon does not mean that we are at the top. We want to build a team for the future and there is a lot of work to be done."

Table: Group D

1 Congo 3

2 Angola 1

3 Burkina Faso 1

4 Cameroon 0

Today 

Morocco v Guinea 5:30 pm

Sudan v Mauritania 8:30 pm

On Thursday 

Cote d Ivoire v Zambia 5:30

Uganda v Namibia 8:30

CHAN is a tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football exclusively for locally based players who ply their trade in domestic leagues.