Cameroon defeat Brazil thanks to Aboubakar’s goal
For a long time, it looked like Brazil’s second team would go on to beat a fiery Cameroon side. United midfielder Fred was the catalyst for many of Brazil’s chance, sending numerous shots and crosses to the Cameroonian net.
Gabriel Martinelli was also a huge problem for Cameroon in the first half. The Arsenal star pushed Napoli’s Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Al Taee’s Collins Fai to superhuman defending performances.
Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo’s header nearly put Cameroon up, if not for an amazing Ederson save. It was the first shot on target that Brazil had to face in the entire group stage. Yet Cameroon had to wait again for another great opportunity.
Yet most of the half was the same old storyline. La Seleçao was the team attacking, and Cameroon hung on for dear life.
Most of the second half turned into a How many chances can Brazil miss competition. There was Antony’s edge-of-the-box screamer that Epassy tipped away, and Epassy strained to tip an Éder Militão effort onto the post.
Things got even worse with the appearance of Marquinhos, Bruno Guimaraes, and Raphinha. It took some Herculean efforts from Cameroon’s defense and Epassy to keep the game level. Cameroon fans were not praying for a win and a draw between Serbia and Switzerland. They were praying that their probable loss against Brazil would be slim.
All hail Aboubakar
However, Cameroon got an unexpected boost in the 92nd minute. The Champion of Cameroon, the Epitome of Effectiveness, and Yaounde’s Hero: Vincent Aboubakar saved the Indomitable Lions yet again.
Homegrown talent Jerome Mbekeli strode towards the wing and sent in a perfect cross to a heavily-marked Aboubakar. The Al-Nassr striker sprinted into the box, muscled off two defenders, and hit a header past a frozen Ederson. He screamed, took his shirt off, left it behind, and headed towards the dugout. He faced his teammates with a stunned but proud look on his face.
Although taking off his shirt earned Aboubakar his second yellow card, it won Cameroon the game. The stoppage-time winner gave Cameroon its fourth point in Qatar. Sadly, Serbia could not draw Switzerland at the death, meaning that Switzerland would get second place and a match against Portugal.
Epassy impresses in front of Brazil’s attack
Devis Epassy is no Andre Onana. Yet in front of 85,000+ fans expecting to see a one-sided slaugher, Epassy put in the performance of his life. He had seven saves and 52 touches. The Abha keeper faced 21 shots and 2.25 xG, but he amazingly kept a clean sheet.
He rebounded impressively after conceding three goals to Serbia on just 1.9 xG, and showed a level of maturity you would not expect from someone who just earned his sixth cap for Cameroon.
As the bridge between Onana and Cameroon continues to grow, Epassy can expect some increased minutes going into 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.
Photo credit: IMAGO / Xinhua
