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AFRICA, ANDRE ONANA, ANGOLA, ASIA, CAF, CHINA, COMOROS, CONFEDERATION OF, CONFEDERATION OF AFRICAN FOOTBALL, CORENTIN MARTINS, HAZEM MASTOURI, INDOMITABLE LIONS, INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION, INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS, LIONS, MALI, MAURITIUS, NORTH AMERICA, QUALIFICATION, RAY, RAYAN RAVELOSO, REUTERS, TOURNAMENT, TUNISIA, UNITED STATES
Omar El-Sharif
Cameroon Held to Goalless Draw by Eswatini Due to Travel Issues
Cameroon’s qualification match against Eswatini ended in a goalless draw due to travel issues, impacting their performance. In contrast, Madagascar and Tunisia achieved impressive away victories, solidifying their leading positions in their groups as they compete for World Cup spots.
In recent World Cup qualification matches, Cameroon struggled to secure a draw against Eswatini due to logistical challenges that hindered their arrival time. The Indomitable Lions, boasting a formidable squad, including Premier League talents Andre Onana and Bryan Mbeumo, arrived in Nelspruit just 15 hours before the match after encountering travel delays.
The planned journey from Cameroon was complicated when their flight arrived too late for Nelspruit airport, forcing the players to land in Johannesburg and undertake a lengthy bus ride. Despite their standing as the most accomplished African nation in World Cup history, Cameroon could only manage a goalless draw against Eswatini, who marked their first point of this qualification round.
In contrasting results, Madagascar and Tunisia each celebrated victories in their qualification matches. Tunisia’s victory over Liberia, facilitated by Hazem Mastouri’s early goal, allowed them to extend their lead in Group H to five points. Meanwhile, Madagascar garnered a decisive 4-1 win over the Central African Republic in the debut match of their new coach, Corentin Martins.
Madagascar currently leads Group I, holding 10 points, closely followed by Comoros and Ghana. The upcoming days will feature additional qualifiers, with the ultimate aim of securing nine group winners a place in the World Cup in North America next year, while the best runners-up contend for one more opportunity in a playoff.
In summary, Cameroon’s draw against Eswatini highlights the impact of travel logistics on performance in critical qualification matches. Meanwhile, Madagascar and Tunisia demonstrated more effective routines, achieving commendable victories that place them in stronger positions in their respective groups as the qualification campaign progresses. With more matches ahead, teams are battling for a coveted place in the World Cup.
Original Source: theprint.in
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