Cameroon earn first Clarence Seedorf-era win
The Indomitable Lions secured a narrow 1-0 win over Malawi in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Group B.
African Champions Cameroon picked up their first victory under the guidance of Clarence Seedorf as the Indomitable Lions defeated Malawi 1-0 in Yaoundé.
The game, a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, saw Cameroon extend their lead at the top of Group B.
Seedorf was appointed coach of the Indomitable Lions two months ago, succeeding Hugo Broos, who won an unlikely African title with Cameroon in February 2017.
The former AC Milan and Real Madrid midfielder began his tenure as head coach of the Western African nation with an underwhelming 1-1 draw against Comoros last month.
Choupo-Moting the hero of the night
Paris Saint Germain forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who was named captain following the international retirement of Benjamin Moukandjo last month, scored the only goal of the game in the 62nd minute.
He outmuscled two Malawian defenders before powering a great shot from the edge of the box.
“I think I have the quality to make the difference from time to time,” Choupo-Moting told Camfoot after the game.
“I am very happy that today it has worked. But it was a team effort. Jacques Zoua gave me a good pass and I made a good decision. And luckily, I hit it well.
“But as the coach also said, we had a good match, we had enough chances. It is the most important (factor). I will continue to give everything to help the team, show my qualities, and after that we will see.”
Cameroon already qualified
As hosts of the 2019 tournament, the Indomitable Lions qualified automatically; however a Confederation of African Football (Caf) inspection next month could still take away the competition from the Western African Nation.
Friday’s victory takes Cameroon to seven points out of three matches, four ahead of Morocco who host Comoros today.
Cameroon and Malawi will meet again in the return fixture in Blantyre on Tuesday 16 October.