Cameroon beat Ivory Coast to end September on a high

Cameroon have ended September with a significant boost after beating Ivory Coast in a prestige friendly at Ebimpé. The result gives David Pagou’s side a positive response to its poor showing against Congo and marks the Lions’ 10th victory over the Elephants.

Cameroon won 1-0, with Bil Nsongo scoring his first international goal shortly after half-time. Sent through in the 46th minute, Nsongo’s effort went through goalkeeper Lafont to settle a match in which the visitors struggled to turn their opportunities into a goal.

Simon Ngapandouetnbu was central to Cameroon’s success. He denied Ivory Coast captain Ibrahim Sangaré in the 36th minute, then made another important save from Yan Diomandé in the 76th after Diomandé combined with Bonny. Ivory Coast’s attacking threat increased after Diomandé came on, but the goalkeeper protected Cameroon’s advantage until the final whistle.

The victory also rewarded a more convincing display from Cameroon after the Congo match. The Lions had dominated without enough precision in front of goal during the first half, but Nsongo’s early second-half finish provided the decisive moment. For Ivory Coast, the friendly ended without an equaliser despite the late pressure.