Andrew Olsson
October 8, 2025World Cup (Q): Cameroon stays in the race with win at Mauritius
Photo: Cameroonian Football Federation
World Cup (Q): Cameroon stays in the race with win at Mauritius
Cameroon remain within reach of Group D leaders Cape Verde following Wednesday’s 2-0 victory over hosts Mauritius in 2026 World Cup qualifying.
— NEW acc: @CENTERofGOALS (@LucianaWil9942) October 8, 2025
Moumi Ngamaleu’s strike close to the hour mark finally broke down the home resistance at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex. The visitors came up against an inspired Mauritian side that did well to keep the match scoreless, but the Indomitable Lions eventually got the advantage they needed before Bryan Mbeumo put the match away late on.
Cameroon coach Hugo Broos rotated his squad with Levante forward Karl Etta Eyong making his debut while veteran Eric Choupo-Moting returned to the starting after a lenghty hiatus. However, the visitors lacked sharpness in the final third and Mauritius, spurred on by vocal home support, managed to hold on until halftime.
But in the 57th minute the breakthrough arrived when a long ball into the Mauritian penalty area was headed by the defense right into the path of Ngamaleu, who calmly went around goalkeeper Dorian Chiotti to tap in. Mauritius lacked the offensive firepower to trouble the Indomitable Lions defense, who got the victory they needed to remain in contention to win Group D when substitute Mbeumo finished the job with a late goal.
— NEW acc: @CENTERofGOALS (@LucianaWil9942) October 8, 2025
With group leaders Cape Verde falling to Libya in Tripoli on Wednesday, Cameroon are now one point back heading into the final matchday. The Indomitable Lions will host eliminated Angola on Monday where a win will consolidate their position as group runners-up. However, to win the group and directly qualify for the World Cup, they will need Cape Verde to drop points at home against Eswatini.
2026 World Cup Qualifying: Updated Group D Table
- Cape Verde- 20 points (GD: +5)
- Cameroon- 18 points (GD: +12)
- Libya- 15 points (GD: +2)
- Angola- 11 points
- Mauritius- 5 points
- Eswatini- 3 points
