Cameroon's captain shines with a brace.. Indomitable Lions stun Rwanda 3-0 in U23 AFCON qualifiers

11.11.26 FT Africa U23 Cup of Nations

Rwanda U23

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Cameroon U23

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Cameroon took a major step towards the final qualifying round of the 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Rwanda 3-0 in Kigali on Wednesday 11 November 2026 with captain Patrick Edzimbi scoring twice.

The Young Indomitable Lions, coached by Guy Armand Feutchine, struck three times in the second half at Kigali Pele Stadium to secure an impressive away victory in the first leg of their second round qualifying tie.

Edzimbi opened the scoring in the 64th minute before Rattensi Nko doubled Cameroon's lead in the 87th. The captain completed his brace in stoppage time, transforming a closely contested encounter into a convincing result.

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Edzimbi inspires second half breakthrough

Rwanda initially frustrated the visitors, holding Cameroon to a goalless first half before creating opportunities of their own after the break.

The hosts came close to taking the lead when a header struck the post in the 55th minute.

However, Cameroon broke the deadlock nine minutes later.

Mael Fernandez Monyebe provided the decisive pass for Edzimbi who beat goalkeeper Iradukunda Moria to put the visitors ahead.

Rwanda continued searching for an equaliser and briefly thought they had found one in the 76th minute but the referee disallowed the goal following a foul on Cameroon's goalkeeper.

The match remained competitive until the closing stages when Nko capitalised on confusion inside the Rwandan penalty area to make it 2-0.

Edzimbi then completed his double in added time sealing a valuable victory for Feutchine's men.

Cameroon close in on final qualifying round

The result gives Cameroon a three goal advantage ahead of the return fixture in Yaounde on Tuesday 17 November.

The Young Indomitable Lions now need to protect their lead to reach the third and final qualifying round for the tournament which will take place in Egypt in 2027.

As outlined in Foot Africa's qualifying draw report, seven teams will eventually emerge from the preliminary rounds to join hosts Egypt at the finals.

Cameroon have not qualified yet but Edzimbi's double has placed them firmly in control of the tie, leaving Rwanda facing a difficult task in Yaounde.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

Cameroon U23

Rwanda U23

Africa U23 Cup of Nations