Wednesday, November 11

Rwanda U-23 0-3 Cameroon U-23

Cameroon took a giant step toward the next round of the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers with a commanding 3-0 victory over Rwanda in the first leg of their second-round tie at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Wednesday.

The Young Indomitable Lions produced a disciplined and clinical display to silence the home crowd and leave Rwanda with a mountain to climb ahead of the return leg in Cameroon.

Rwanda held firm throughout what was a closely contested first half and went into the break level at 0-0.

However, the visitors emerged stronger after halftime and eventually broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute when Patrick Edzimbi calmly slotted home to give Cameroon the lead.

The hosts attempted to fight back but found it difficult to penetrate a well-organised Cameroonian defence.

As Rwanda pushed forward in search of an equalizer, Cameroon capitalised on the spaces left behind by Eric Nshimiyimana’s defensive department.

Nko Ghangle Rattensi doubled the advantage in the 87th minute, putting the visitors firmly in control of the contest.

Deep into stoppage time, Edzimbi struck again in the 90+3rd minute to complete his brace and cap an impressive performance for the five-time African champions' youth side.

The emphatic away victory gave Cameroon a significant advantage heading into the second leg, scheduled to be played on home soil on Sunday.

The defeat leaves Rwanda with plenty to reflect on, while Cameroon can travel home full of confidence as they edge closer to the next stage of the qualifiers.

The winner of the tie will face either South Africa or Madagascar for the ticket to AFCON U23 2027.