Angola Stuns Cameroon 1‑0 to Exit CHAN 2018 Group Stage

When Ricardo Job Estevao stepped up to the spot and slotted a penalty in the 30th minute, Angola secured a 1‑0 win over the Cameroon at Stade Adrar in Agadir, Morocco, on January 20, 2018. The result knocked the "Indomitable Lions" out of the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN 2018Morocco) after just two group matches. Angola vs Cameroon proved decisive, ending Cameroon’s first‑ever CHAN group‑stage exit and thrusting Angola into a leading position in Group D.

Background to CHAN 2018

The African Nations Championship, unlike the Africa Cup of Nations, showcases players who ply their trade in domestic leagues. For many, it’s a springboard to Europe or South America. Angola entered the tournament unbeaten, having opened with a 2‑0 victory over Congo‑Brazzaville. Cameroon, a two‑time CHAN champion, suffered a surprise 1‑0 loss to the same Congolese side via a late penalty from Junior Makiesse. Those early setbacks set the stage for a high‑stakes showdown in Agadir.

Match Overview

The game kicked off under a clear sky, with both sides fielding line‑ups composed entirely of home‑grown talent. Angola’s midfield, anchored by Herenilson, pressed aggressively, while Cameroon relied on the quick feet of Willy Namedji and the vision of Clarence Bitang. The first half was cagey, but a decisive moment arrived in the 30th minute.

Key Moments and Controversy

Angola earned a penalty after Bertrand Owundi clattered into an opponent inside the box. Referee Youssef El‑Bahloul pointed to the spot, sparking an immediate protest from Cameroon coach Rigobert Song. The coach argued the contact was minimal, but Job’s composure was evident; he placed the ball low to the left corner, leaving goalkeeper Oscar Gwot stranded. The score held for the remainder of the match.

• 30' – Penalty awarded after Owundi’s foul.
• 30' – Ricardo Job converts, 1‑0.
• 51' – Herenilson’s header blocked by Gwot.
• 63' – Frantz Pangop’s miss leaves Cameroon yearning.

Cameroon pressed for an equaliser, most notably when Frantz Pangop arrived late on a through‑ball and curled a shot over the bar. The missed opportunity underscored Cameroon’s inability to craft a clear‑cut chance despite higher possession.

Reactions from Coaches

In the post‑match interview, Rigobert Song lamented the decision: “We felt the foul was soft, but the referee’s call stands. Our focus now is on the next game, even if we’re out.” Angola’s head coach, Pedro Funck, celebrated the win but cautioned: “Three points are great, but we still need a win against Congo‑Brazzaville to guarantee progression.” The contrasting tones highlighted the fine line between celebration and strategic caution.

Group D Implications

Angola’s victory lifted them to the top of Group D with four points, followed by Congo‑Brazzaville on three and Cameroon on zero. The final group fixtures—Congo vs Angola in Agadir and Cameroon vs Burkina Faso in Tangier—would determine the second qualifier. Should Angola lose to Congo, a win by Cameroon against Burkina Faso could still shuffle the standings, making the last round a nail‑biter for all parties.

Looking Ahead

For Cameroon, the early exit is a blow to a nation accustomed to CHAN success. Analysts, like Samuel Eto’o, former African Player of the Year, warned that domestic leagues need stronger scouting to avoid such pitfalls. Angola, meanwhile, will aim to finish the group with a win, securing a quarter‑final slot that could revitalize the “Palancas Negras” brand on continental soil.