Cameroon took the lead in this match, Angel Yondjo Matah opening the score in the 31st minute with a clear shot after a perfect serve from Nchindo John Bosco. This goal, rewarding a controlled start, seemed to seal the debates.
But the Fauves, far from giving up, reacted with character. Just before the break, Barry Nelson converted a crucial penalty, bringing the two teams level and changing the momentum of the match.
In the second half, the Cameroonians threw all their strength into the battle, multiplying the offensives to force the decision. But the Central African defense, united and intractable, resisted all waves.
Then, in the 87th minute, Bertillon Arnold Yangana exploded the Central African camp with a goal as precious as it was spectacular, giving his team a memorable victory and plunging the Bafoussam stadium into total stupor.
This elimination sounds like a bolt from the blue for Cameroon, semi-finalist in 2021, while the Fauves make history with panache.
In other notable qualifying clashes, Burkina Faso toppled Ivory Coast in a stunning scenario, while DR Congo confirmed their status as favorites with a solid performance against Chad.
In Bamako, at the Stade du 26 Mars, the Étalons, beaten 2-0 in the first leg, made a heroic comeback. Aboubacar Traoré (31st) and Franck Kanté (54th) allowed the Burkinabè to equalize over both legs.
The decision came down to penalties, where the Stallions, imperturbable, converted four attempts, compared to only two for the Ivorians. A mental qualification for Burkina Faso, which returns to CHAN.
In Kinshasa, DR Congo held its place by dominating Chad 3-1. Oscar Kabwit, TP Mazembe striker, quickly opened the scoring in the 10th minute. The visitors equalized through Ahmat Abdraman in the 23rd, maintaining the hope of a historic qualification.
-But the Leopards A’, led by a well-oiled collective, took back control after the break. Jonathan Mokonzi (48th) and Nyembo Ntumba (52nd) scored two goals in quick succession, sealing a convincing victory and confirming the presence of the Congolese in the final phase of CHAN 2024.
For its part, Guinea asserted its supremacy against Guinea-Bissau by winning 2-1 away, concluding a double confrontation dominated from start to finish with a cumulative score of 6-2.
Under the direction of Souleymane Camara Abedy, Syli Local was able to count on the achievements of Mohamed Saliou Bangoura and Naby Bangoura to validate its ticket for the final phase.
In Uyo, the local Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a resounding qualification by defeating the Black Galaxies of Ghana with a score of 3-1.
Buoyed by a thunderous start, Sadiq Ismail, Nduka Junior and Savior Isaac struck in the first half, while Stephen Amankona reduced the gap to save Ghana’s honor.
These results illustrate the toughness of the qualifications, while the spotlight now turns to East Africa, the host region of CHAN 2024.
