Cameroon Beats Mauritius 2-0 in World Cup Qualifier at Port Louis

Cameroon Beats Mauritius 2-0 in World Cup Qualifier at Port Louis

When Cameroon national football team walked onto the pitch at the Côte d'Or National Sports Complex on October 8, 2025, the stakes were crystal clear: a vital World Cup qualification win that could keep their hopes alive for the 2026 tournament in North America. Their opponents, the Mauritius national football team, knew they were the underdogs, sitting fifth in CAF Group D, but the home crowd in Port Louis expected a fight.

Match Overview

The game kicked off at 13:00 UTC under clear skies, and the first half ended dead‑locked at 0‑0. It wasn’t until the 57th minute that Nicolas Moumie Ngamaleu found the net, slipping a low drive past Mauritius keeper Dorian Chiotti. The goal sparked a brief surge of optimism for the hosts, but Cameroon’s defense, marshaled by veteran Michael Ngadeu‑Ngadjui, held firm.

Late drama arrived in stoppage time. In the 90+2 minute, Bryan Mbeumo clipped a cross from the right and tapped it in, sealing a 2‑0 victory. The final whistle blew at 14:45 UTC, confirming Cameroon’s second‑place position in the group and leaving Mauritius still five points adrift of safety.

Lineups and Tactical Setup

Both managers stuck to a classic 4‑4‑2. Mauritius started with Emmanuel Vincent and Wilson Mootoo as full‑backs, while the midfield pivot of Gabriel Caliste and Kevin Bru struggled to contain Cameroon’s quick transitions. Up front, forwards Darel Arthee and Yannick Aristide saw limited service.

Cameroon’s starting eleven featured Andre Onana between the sticks, a back line of Jackson Tchatchoua, Michael Ngadeu‑Ngadjui, Mahmoud Nagida and Nouhou Tolo. In midfield, Arthur Avom and Carlos Baleba linked defence to attack, while forwards Eric Maxim Choupo‑Moting and Etta Eyong provided the final outlet.

Key Moments and Goals

• 57' – Ngamaleu’s opener: A well‑timed run inside the box allowed Ngamaleu to receive a lofted pass and slot home. The goal lifted Cameroon’s morale and forced Mauritius to chase.
• 90+2' – Mbeumo’s winner: After a sustained pressure, Mbeumo slipped onto a cut‑back from the right and tapped past Chiotti, effectively killing any hope of a late draw.

Substitutions came thick and fast after the break. Cameroon’s coach brought on Christian Bassogog for Georges‑Kevin N'Koudou at 46’, aiming to add width. A second half reshuffle saw Franck Anguissa replace Ngamaleu, a tactical move that nonetheless left the goal‑scorer on the bench.

Statistical Context and Group Standings

Before the match, the CAF Group D table read:

1. Cameroon – 13 points (2nd place)
2. Senegal – 15 points (1st place)
3. Ghana – 11 points
4. South Africa – 9 points
5. Mauritius – 4 points
6. Zimbabwe – 2 points

The win pushed Cameroon to 16 points, keeping them within striking distance of the group leader. Meanwhile, Mauritius remains in the relegation‑danger zone, needing at least three points from the next two fixtures to stay afloat.

Across the CAF qualification campaign, home teams have won 43% of matches, draws sit at 26%, and away victories at 31%. The tournament’s goal average stands at 2.45 per game, so Cameroon’s two‑goal haul sits comfortably above the norm.

Implications for World Cup Qualification

This result tightens the race for the coveted African slots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Cameroon now needs just a point from their final group game to clinch an automatic qualification spot. Mauritius, on the other hand, faces a must‑win scenario against a lower‑ranked opponent to keep the dream alive.

The broader picture is that CAF’s five direct slots and a potential inter‑confederation play‑off make every point precious. Cameroon’s steady form reinforces their reputation as a perennial qualifier, while Mauritius must look to tighten its defence – they conceded only two goals but failed to create any clear chances.

Historical Head‑to‑Head and Future Outlook

Before this encounter, the two nations had never met in an official competitive match; the head‑to‑head record stood at 0‑0‑0. The 2‑0 scoreline therefore creates a new benchmark and likely shifts the psychological balance for any future meetings.

Looking ahead, Cameroon’s next fixture is against Senegal, a clash that could decide the group winner. Mauritius will host Zimbabwe four days later, a match that could be a lifeline if they manage to secure a win. Both teams will also be watching the inter‑confederation play‑off calendar, which is set to feature an African side against a CONMEBOL representative.

Key Facts

• Event: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification – CAF Group D match
• Date & Time: 8 Oct 2025, 13:00 UTC (local kick‑off 15:00 GMT+2)
• Venue: Côte d'Or National Sports Complex, Port Louis
• Result: Cameroon 2 – 0 Mauritius
• Goal Scorers: Nicolas Moumie Ngamaleu (57'), Bryan Mbeumo (90'+2)