By Victor Kanayo
The Indomitable Lions of Cameroun despite failing to advance to the last 16 of the ongoing 2022 World Cup, would be leaving Qatar with their heads held high, after a historic defeat of five times winners of the World Cup, Brazil on Friday night inside the Lusail Iconic stadium.
Cameroon thus became the first African country to beat the former world champion at any World Cup.
In a tension-soaked match, African football star, Vincent Aboubakar, was the hero after pulling through with a powerful header in the second half.
But the victory would not be enough to keep the team in Qatar as Switzerland, to whom they had fallen in their first encounter, prevailed over Serbia to qualify for the Round of 16, at the end of the Group G.
Cameroon would be the second team after Tunisia to exit the tournament after beating a world champion, with the Carthage Eagles handing down a shocking 1-0 defeat to the current title holders, though they also went home, having not made the required points to take them to the next level.
Despite being handed a red card for a second time cardable offence, for removing his shirt after powering home a header from a cross, Aboubakar, one of the stars of the current Camaroonian side, who also scored a spectacular goal against Serbia in their 3-3 encounter on Monday, left the pitch, all smiles.
Brazil secure top spot in Group G and a round of 16 meeting with South Korea despite the shock defeat.
The South Americans will be hoping to return to the same stadium in a few weeks when it hosts the World Cup Final, but they will be a much changed team.
Brazil advance to the next round but their aura of invincibility has been somewhat deflated by their defeat which rounded up the group stage of Qatar 2022.
