The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and the Eagles of Serbia faced off in what was a pivotal game for World Cup survival for both countries and served up a thrilling encounter.
Serbia coming off a 2-0 loss to Brazil in their opening game knew they needed a win in this game to keep their hopes for qualification alive.
The Serbians started the game on the front foot, threatening but unable to find the opening goal. Aleksandar Mitrović came close when he was granted a golden opportunity after a defensive gaffe by Cameroon but could only strike his shot wide of the goal.
A goal finally came in the 29th minute when a flick-on from a corner found Jean-Charles Castelletto unmarked at the back post. His first international goal and Cameroon’s first at the World Cup since 2014. However the response from Serbia was swift. Two quick goals, the first from a well placed header from centre-half Strahinja Pavlović and a second just before half time when Sergej Milinković-Savić fired in a low shot to give the Eagles the lead.
Mitrović finally got his goal in the second half thanks to good work by his teammates to open up a two goal lead. You would’ve been forgiven if you thought the game was won already but Cameroon refused to lie down.
Coach Rigobert Song threw on top scorer at the 2021 African Cup of Nations, Vincent Aboubakar in a bid to inject new energy into his side’s performance. The substitute scored an audacious chip soon after and then set up the equalizer with a well timed run and pass to Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, sending the Cameroonian fans into a frenzy.
The game ended in a 3-3 draw, leaving both sides with one point from their first two games. The dream is not over though, as they’re both still in contention for a round of 16 place although Cameroon must face Brazil in their final match on Friday, while Serbia take on Switzerland.
This result ended a run of eight straight World Cup defeats for Cameroon. Their last point came in a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia in 2002.
