Cameroon kicked off their 2022 World Cup campaign with a 1-0 loss to Switzerland in Group G.
The opening minutes failed to produce anything noteworthy until the 10th minute when Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo’s effort was palmed away by Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer. The rebound fell to Karl Toko Ekambi but the Olympique Lyon man could only fire it wide.
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka could have given Switzerland the lead moments later, but his long-range effort was off target.
Cameroon continued to have more of the ball and created few chances but they made nothing out of it
Bayern Munich forward Eric Choupo-Moting – who was starting in place of regular Cameroon frontman Vincent Aboubakar – nearly had the ball in the back of the net but his effort was blocked by the Swiss defence.
In added time of the first half, Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, of Nigerian descent, produced a powerful header from a Swiss corner kick but it went wide.
Switzerland broke the deadlock just three minutes after halftime, Breel Embolo – who was born in Cameroon – receiving the ball from Xherdan Shaqiri and finishing off the rest.
However, the 24-year-old Monaco man refused to celebrate in respect to the country of his birth.
The Red Crosses almost doubled their lead via Ruben Vargas but his goal-bound shot was brilliantly saved by Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Murat Yakin’s men were in control for the remainder of the match and held firm to secure all three points. They will tackle Brazil next at Stadium 974 on Monday.
In addition to the defeat, Cameroon join African World Cup representatives Senegal, Tunisia and Morocco in failing to score in their first group matches.
The next challenge for Rigobert Song’s team is a fixture against Serbia at the Al Janoub Stadium.
