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Islam Slimani’s poweful first-half header gave Algeria a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in Friday’s World Cup qualifying playoff at the Stade Japoma, Douala, as the Fennecs took a giant step towards Qatar.
The North Africans headed into the match under pressure after a disastrous title defence—coincidentally at the same stadium as Friday’s qualifier—but took the lead in the 40th minute of a cagey contest when Slimani leapt highest to meet Youcef Belaili’s free kick from the left flank and send it beyond Andre Onana.
The Fennecs’ all-time record scorer missed several big chances as Algeria’s 35-match undefeated streak was ended in ignominy at the Nations Cup earlier this year, but his 40th international goal gave the North Africans a major advantage as they prepare for Tuesday’s return leg.
Cameroon now need to go to Algeria next week and win in Blida, where the Fennecs have not lost a competitive fixture in 18 years.
The hosts started strongly in front of a packed Stade Japoma, where a sizeable travelling contingent took their place among an anticipated 40,000 capacity crowd.
However, after riding out the early pressure from the Indomitable Lions, Algeria took control of the contest, neutralising the Central Africans effectively while exerting pressure of their own.
Onana was forced into a fine early save to deny Slimani as he capitalised on some lax concentration by Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui in the 12th minute, while Eric Choupo-Moting struggled to ignite the hosts’ attack despite fervent expectation on the Japoma terraces.
New Cameroon coach Rigobert Song—a post-Afcon replacement for Toni Conceicao—rang the changes at the start of the second half, introducing Kevin Soni and Gael Tawamba for Martin Hongla and Afcon top scorer Vincent Aboubakar.
But the Lions’ growing momentum was halted by a power cut inside the Stade Japoma that brought a temporary halt to play and resulted in 11 minutes of stoppage time.
With Aboubakar off and Choupo-Moting struggling to fire, Karl Toko Ekambi took on greater attacking responsibility as the contest wore on, but increasingly resorted to attempts from range as Algeria defended stoutly.
Cameroon lacked midfield control without the absent Andre Frank Zambo-Anguissa, although they did well to neutralise an Algeria team who grew in confidence as the second-half wore on.
