Cameroon and Australia have played out a 1-1 draw in the Confederations Cup, sharing the spoils in St Petersburg.
A precious goal to Andre-Frank Zambo Anguiss right on the stroke of half-time put the Indomitable Lions ahead, and then Mark Milligan equalised with a penalty in the second half. Cameroon had the better chances late but could not convert. Both sides will now need to win their last group matches to have any progress of progressing to the semi-finals.
The Indomitable Lions made no changes from the team that lost to Chile, while the Socceroos made two from the side that was beaten by the current World Cup holders. Alex Gersbach replaced Aziz Behich on the left of defence and Robbie Kruse replaced Massimo Luongo, with Kruse moving into Aaron Mooy’s attacking role and the Huddersfield midfielder taking Luongo’s position.
Australia started well, dominating the early possession. In the second minute Robbie Kruse tested keeper Fabrice Ondoa. Then in the sixth minute the Socceroos coughed up the ball at the back and Cameroon lashed a shot at Mat Ryan that just ran wide.
Australia continued to hold the ball, probing for a weakness, while the African side were limited to counter attacks. In the 13th minute Cameroon had a free kick that was blocked and then Sebastien Siani collected the rebound but his shot blazed well over Ryan’s goal.
It was cagey from both teams who were equally desperate not to go a goal behind early. Striker Christian Bassogog started to cause the Australian defence some problems, winning several free kicks. But they came to nothing with some poor execution. In the 19th minute a Gersbach cross had Ondoa at full stretch. Then two minutes later Tomi Juric won a free kick on the edge of Cameroon’s box, but Tomi Rogic shot wide. In the 31st minute Matthew Leckie had a decent chance, after another Gersbach cross, but his strike was wayward.
Six minutes Cameroon had the best opportunity of the game. Michael Ngadeu Ngagjui played a lovely one-two with Vincent Aboubakar at the edge of the box but Ryan was equal to the task. The Socceroos held on grimly after a series of corners added pressure, as the Indomitable Lions’ speed was hard for the green and gold to contain.
Then suddenly the match turned on its head. A long ball from inside Cameroon’s own half released Zambo Anguiss. He beat Milos Degenek in a race to the ball, just nicking it over Ryan to score. It was an exquisite finish.
Cameroon have a 1-0 lead thanks to Zambo Anguissa. @Powerade #CMRAUS #ConfedCup
Cameroon had the vital goal they craved and Australia was in big trouble.
The Socceroos had a brilliant chance to equalize right after the break after Juric was played in, but he hesitated and his shot was poor.
Cameroon continued to cut Australia to shreds at the back. The Socceroos surged forward when they had the ball and Rogic almost scored, but his touch let him down in front of Ondoa. Then Cameroon should have been 2-0 in front but Bassogo sliced his shot badly.
In the 58th minute the referee gave a penalty when Gersbach was brought down by Ernest Mabouka, after checking with the video referee. Mark Milligan stepped up and placed it past Ondoa in the left corner to level it at 1-1. Australia pressed forward for another, but that opened plenty of space at the back. The Indomitable Lions almost snagged another goal.
The match wore on with both sides upping their urgency. In the 77th minute Cameroon had a header but it was wasteful again.
The game was there for the taking.
The African champions had the better of the final stages, but couldn’t find another goal with the Socceroos just holding on to secure a point.
