Mexico scrape draw in Cameroon friendly

Mexico were fortunate to come away with a draw from Saturday’s game against Cameroon at Snapdragon stadium with Kevin Álvarez scoring an equaliser deep into stoppage-time. It was the team’s second friendly in preparation for the Concacaf Nations League and the Gold Cup.

Diego Cocca’s team enjoyed more possession during the opening minutes but couldn’t make it count. The Africans meanwhile, were happy to sit back and wait for the right moment to take advantage of their opportunities. Karl Toko Ekambi had the first effort on target on 8 minutes but his shot was parried by Luis Malagón.

Cameroon opened the scoring on 36 minutes when Bryan Mbeumo received the ball inside the area and beat Malagón with a low shot that took a slight deflection off Israel Reyes. The defender made amends by firing El Tri back level in injury time to make it 1-1 at the break.

Mexico came out looking more determined for the second half but once again failed to take advantage of their chances. Just after the hour, the Africans were back in front. Malagón spilled Tchato Mbiayi’s centre, Toko Ekambi pounced to slot in from close range.

It seemed that the game was going to end with a defeat for Mexico, until Pachuca youth team player Kevin Álvarez was put clean through by Henry Martín and with one touch, slotted past Ondoa to make it 2-2 on 94 minutes.

This was the final preparation game for Mexico - on Thursday, they will face the United States in a new edition of the Concacaf Clásico in the semi-finals of the Nations League. Later this month, the Tricolor will take part in the Gold Cup - a tournament it is obliged to win...