African champions Cameroon crash out of Confed Cup

By Emmanuel Okogba

What looked like a comeback fight was quickly checked by a third goal from the German Machines to ensure that African Champions Cameroon crashed out of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017.

Vincent Aboubakar scored in the 78th minute to raise Cameroonian and African hopes after Emest Mabouka was sent off for an outrageous tackle but this was short lived as the Germans quickly responded through two-goals hero Timo Werner in the 81st minute to put the game to bed.

Cameroon drew their previous match against Australia 1-1 and had most supporters believing that they could work a magic against Joachim Löw’s side but it was not meant to be.

The last time an African team made it past the group stage of a FIFA Confederations Cup competition was in 2003 when Cameroon made it all the way to the final before losing 1-0 to host France.

The Indomitable Lions will now turn their attention to the World Cup qualifiers where they confront in a double-header and hope to qualify from a ‘group of death’ that includes Nigeria, Algeria and Zambia. They currently sit second with two points after two rounds of matches.

In the other match Chile drew 1-1 with Australia to finish in second place and will now battle Portugal in the Semi-final.

              SEMI-FINAL FIXTURES

28/6     PORTUGAL  vs  CHILE            7pm

29/6      GERMANY   vs  MEXICO        7pm