The Indomitable Lions are on cloud nine having sealed revenge over their fierce regional rivals.
The Indomitable Lions gave their manager Alioum Saidou something to smile about following a hard-fought 1-0 win over the Red Devils during their Group E battle at Stade Olympique d'Oran on Monday.
Jerome Ngom Mbekeli was the hero of the Lions in the regional derby as he scored the decisive winner through a header in the second-half to give his side the win and three points.
Alioum satisfied with the win
With the result on Monday night, the former Cameroon international registered his first win in the competition with the Indomitables.
It was a development he later revealed left him satisfied despite how profligate his side was.
“I am very happy because it was very complicated game especially in this competition," he told CAF media. "I had to motivate the players to win the game. We did it and we are very happy to win this game,” Saidou added.
The game in brief
Cameroon dominated the encounter in Oran but had to wait until in the second half to break down their stubborn regional rivals.
The last time both sides met, it was the Red Devils who escaped with a 2-1 win. So, the Lions came into the game looking for revenge having faced the Devils twice without a win.
Cameroon had almost 60% of the ball, made 10 attempts on the Congolese goal area but only managed just three efforts on target.
For an hour, they struggled to turn their dominance into something tangible as Congo held on tightly.
The key moment
However, three minutes after the hour mark, the decisive moment arrived when Mbekeli rose highest to superb thunder home Ramses Nguimzeu’s cross.
It was no less than the Indomitable Lions deserved, though they had to stay alert to stop a late attack from the Red Devils en route to the three points - which they did well to hold on to.
Related content
11:00 - 11.11.2022
Qatar 2022 Major surprise as Cameroon announce World Cup squad
Cameroon named their 26-man squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with many familiar names and a major omission.
10:16 - 17.01.2023
CHAN Mali's remarkable comeback denies Angola in game of the tournament
The African Nations Championship has come to life in Algeria following a goal-fest on day four.
22:22 - 15.01.2023
CHAN Madagascar shock Ghana to make history in Constantine
The Black Stars were no match for their counterparts from South Africa in the Group C battle.
06:50 - 14.01.2023
CHAN 40,000 fans watch CHAN 2022 opener in Algeria
The fans didn’t stop singing and cheering, with the home side enjoying most of the support in the €280 million stadium.
05:30 - 14.01.2023
CHAN Host Algeria edge Libya to start CHAN 2022 with a shaky derby win
The host kicked off their African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2022 journey with a narrow win but had Libya to thank for the gift.
22:57 - 12.01.2023
FIFA President lands in Africa, visits Nelson Mandela Stadium ahead of CHAN
The 40,000-seater stadium is expected to host the opening match and final of the African Nations Championship.