Cameroun-born Embolo’s goal sinks Indomitable Lions

Switzerland’s forward #07 Breel Embolo celebrates after he scored the opening goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group G football match between Switzerland and Cameroon at the Al-Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah, south of Doha on November 24, 2022. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP)

Fate played a tricky one on Yaounde-born Breel Embolo, as the lot fell on him to strike the dagger that condemned the land of his parents, Cameroun, to defeat at the ongoing Qatar 2022 World Cup.

The 1-0 win at the Al Janoub Stadium gave Switzerland a good platform to plan their move up the ladder in the World Cup, but the goal, sweet as it was for the Swiss, brought sadness to both the scorer and fans of the Indomitable Lions. But it is what it is. To advance in this game, a team must outscore the opponent and that was simply what Embolo helped Switzerland do.

It condemned Africa to a longer wait for victory in this competition, which has already seen a loss for Senegal and draws for Morocco and Tunisia.

Cameroun were looking for their first win in a World Cup since 2002 and after a first half of limited chances, the Africans grew into the game and imposed themselves in the second half.

They should have been 1-0 up as early as the ninth minute when Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo right-hand side shot from a tight angle was pushed out by Yann Sommer, but Karl Toko Ekambi failed to convert on the rebound with his effort sailing over the bar.

Four minutes later, Cameroun fans were ready to celebrate as Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting snatched the ball off Manuel Akanji and ran through on goal, one-on-one but his shot was tame and comfortably saved.

Choupo-Moting linked up nicely with Mbeumo, which saw Martin Hongla in a dangerous position, however, his effort was saved