A resolute performance from Cameroon saw them overcome a spirited Cote D’Ivoire in the game of the weekend in the African Zone qualification matches. In a superb game both teams gave everything in pursuit of the only qualifying berth in Group 3.

A tense, competitive first half burst into action after just two minutes when Souleymanou in the Cameroon goal saved well at close range. Five minutes later the Cameroonians had their first chance, with a long-range shot that Montpellier’s Gerard Gnanhouan collected comfortably for Cote D’Ivoire.

After twelve minutes the "Elephants" of Cote D’Ivoire almost took the lead. A shot from distance was deflected wide, and from the resulting corner Chelsea’s Didier Drogba directed a strong downward header towards goal. From practically point blank range, Souleymanou made an instinctive save. Ten minutes later they went close again, when some last ditch defending from the goalkeeper and one of his defenders resulted in the ball bobbling wide.

After having the better of the opening chances, the portents were there after 27 minutes when some erratic goalkeeping form Gnanhouan made a decent cross appear much more dangerous than in fact it was. Two minutes later they were punished. A beautifully taken left footed chip from Achille Webo sailed over the head of Gnanhouan into an empty net.

Cote D’Ivoire responded immediately, and after 36 minutes a good header was saved well by Souleymanou. A minute later their persistence was rewarded. Aruna Dindane refused to give up what seemed a lost cause, and when Pierre Wome dithered near the dead ball line, he nipped in to take the ball and cut back neatly to Drogba, who slotted home clinically for the equaliser.

As the first half drifted to its conclusion the Cote D’Ivoire defence seemed to switch off, and froze when a cross came in from the left. Unfortunately for them, Webo was wide-awake to sneak in and head home well from close range.

The second half was barely a minute old when Cote D’Ivoire won a free kick just outside the area. Drogba stepped up to fire home an exquisite spot kick, and bring the scores level again at 2-2.

As the half progressed it became progressively more niggly and Tunisian referee Mourad Daami started to flourish his yellow card. Chances were few and far between, and of a speculative nature, until the 73rd minute when Didier Zokora fired in a rasping drive from all of 30 metres, only to see his effort thunder off the woodwork.

The game appeared to be drifting towards a well fought draw when, after 85 minutes, the majority of the supporters in the Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium were shaken to their toes. Cameroon won a free kick in the middle of the Cote D’Ivoire half, which was fired goal wards more in hope than expectation. It went through the mass of players in the area, passed Gnanhouan in the Cote D’Ivoire goal, hit the post and rebounded out. Flying in to meet the ball was Cameroon’s Atouba, heading home and sending the small contingent of away fans into delirium.

Cote D’Ivoire had no response and relinquish top spot to the Indomitable Lions. Cameroon are back in pole position to make their fifth consecutive finals, and all eyes are now looking to the final round of qualifiers in October.

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