Cameroon Downed in World Cup Opener

Cameroonian born Swiss player Breel Embolo shattered the hearts of many from his native country after the 25-year-old forward scored against the Indomitable Lions in the 48^th minute of their group G opener at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Rigobert Song, the head coach of the West African nation said despite their loss, the Indomitable Lions remain in high spirits and will work hard to ensure victory in their remaining two group fixtures.

“The next match is decisive for us, and we have to create opportunities,” said Song, adding, “we remain with our heads held high and know that anything is possible.”

The evenly played Group G fixture witnessed the Swiss maintaining a minority 43 percent ball possession and three shots on target while the Indomitable Lions held the majority 46 percent ball possession and matched the shots on target taken by the European nation.

Bryan Mbeumo, Cameroon’s Brendtford-based winger took the first shot on goal for the Indomitable Lions in the 10^th minute which was punched out by Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer and witnessed a follow up by Lyon-based forward Karl Toko Ekambi whose attempt went over the crossbar.

Cameroonian forward Karl Toko Ekambi takes a shot at goal during a Group G match against Switzerland at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar, November 22, 2022.

Sommer was tested again by the Cameroonians in the 14^th minute after Bayern Munich star Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting took a shot on goal, but the Swiss goalkeeper successfully blocked the second attempt by the Indomitable Lions.

Cameroonian forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting beats Swiss defender Manuel Akanji and takes a shot that was saved by goalkeeper Yann Sommer in the opening Group G match between Cameroon and Switzerland at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar, November 24, 2022.

Ruben Vargas, Switzerland’s Bundesliga based winger attempted to repeat Embolo’s goal from the exact same spot, but this time Cameroonian goalkeeper André Onana proved to be alert as he blocked the attempt by the 24-year-old winger.

Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana saves a shot taken by Swiss winger Ruben Vargas during a Group G opening match between Cameroon and Switzerland at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar, November 24, 2022.

The 1-0 loss has placed Cameroon in the last position of Group G, however that could change depending on the result of the fixture between Brazil and Serbia.

The West African nation is scheduled to take on Serbia in their next World Cup fixture on November 28 and will play their final group match against Brazil’s Samba Boys on December 2^nd.