The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon kicked off their CHAN2022 campaign with a win against a hard fighting Congo on Monday in Oran.

Jerome Ngom Mbekeli’s header in the second half gave Cameroon a 1-0 victory over Congo in the competition.

The 24-year-old Colombe player connected with Ramses Nguimzeu’s cross from the left in the 63rd minute to give the Intermediate Lions the much-needed victory at the Oran Olmypic Stadium.

Read Also:CHAN 2022: Cameroon Vs Congo Confirmed Starting XI

One of the several chances Cameroon produced that led to the goal just after the hour mark required Mbekeli’s cunning to be converted in the Group E contest that put the two goalkeepers to the test.

However, it was the Congolese who made the first attack, when Sousou Ilendo, a youthful player, side-footed a shot over goalkeeper Marcelin Mbahbi’s crossbar following a superb pass from Che Malone at the edge of the box.

Moments later, Cameroon answered as Mbekeli, who represented his nation at the 2022 World Cup, Djawal Kaiba in the area, but Pavelh Ndzila, who was playing in his fourth CHAN game, tipped the ball over.

The young Congolese team, which had advanced to the quarterfinals in each of its previous two CHAN appearances, had some chances but was unable to score any goals.