The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon were pecked back twice in an entertaining game against the El Tri of Mexico at the Snapdragon Stadium in California, USA.
Match Report: Mexico Vs. Cameroon
In front of a lively crowd, Cameroon quickly took the initiative, building from the back and mounting well-coordinated attacks in the early stages. Karl Toko Ekambi cut in from the left wing, sliding passed a couple of defenders before stinging the Mexico keeper's palms after 8 minutes.
Cameroon continued their attacks, and Olivier Mbaizo struck a speculative shot from outside the box, which went just wide of the upright.
The Mexicans responded with their own attacks, testing Fabrice Ondoua on 15 minutes, the keeper making his first appearance in the Cameroon goal in five years.
However, Cameroon opened the scoring through Brentford forward Bryan Mbuemo after 38 minutes of play. Olivier Kemen operating at the heart of the Cameroon midfield slalomed his way into the Mexico area before sliding through to Mbuemo, who slotted beyond Malagon to make it 1 nil to Cameroon.
Mexico woke up from slumber and launched an onslaught on the indomitable Lions. The pressure eventually paid off as Isreal Reyes squeezed past the Cameroon defense to Equalize at the stroke of halftime.
The second half took off where the first ended, and Moumi Ngamaleu should have scored just three minutes after the restart, but his snap-shot was off-target to keep the score at 1-1. Karl Toko Ekambi then pounced on a howler from Mexico Keeper Malagon to restore Cameroon's lead.
The Lions were set to register their first win over their Central American counterparts. However, a 94th-minute equalizer meant the match ended 2-2, with Mexico extending its unbeaten run against the Central African powerhouse after three meetings (W2 D1).
What Next For Mexico And Cameroon?
Next up for Mexico is a crucial CONCACAF Nations League Semi-final game against the USA on the 16th of June, 2023.
The Gold Cup follows immediately after that, where the El Tri hopes to dethrone current holders, the USA. Mexico is drawn in group B alongside Honduras, Haiti, and invitees Qatar. The competition runs from 24th June to 16th July 2023.
Cameroon, on their part, will sit out the 5th round of AFCON 2023 qualifiers as manager Song continues his rebuild. The Lions' next game is a potential make-or-break game against Burundi in Yaounde on September 4th, 2023.
Also Read: Three International Games to be Played in Cameroon This June