On the back of an outstanding performance from backup goalkeeper Devis Epassy, Cameroon fought its way to a one-goal victory over Brazil. Despite Brazil dominating possession, the underdogs’ centre-backs stepped up, winning several key challenges in the box. On offense, the African nation was able to create a number of chances on counter attacks, ultimately snagging the game-winning goal in stoppage time.
Devis Epassy – 9
In the first half, Epassy made three huge stops, keeping his side in the match despite Brazil’s overwhelming pressure. The goalkeeper turned in a wonderful performance, making save after save, salvaging a point despite its defensive struggles.
Christopher Wooh – 8
While Brazil frequently exploited Cameroon on the wings, the underdogs’ centre-back pairing had a wonderful match. Wooh played especially well against Rodrygo, limiting the attacker’s space on the backline.
Enzo Ebosse – 8.5
Wooh’s partner on the backline also had a great game. Even though Brazil was cutting through Cameroon like butter, the 23-year-old stayed composed, winning several tackles and assisting Nouhou Tolo against Antony.
Collins Fai – 5
Fai had a tough night defending against the creative talent of Gabriel Martinelli. The winger had his way with the defender, creating numerous chances while beating Fai on the dribble.
Nouhou Tolo – 6
Nouhou received an early yellow card, which significantly limited his ability to be aggressive on defense. He lost several one-on-ones against Antony in the channel in what was an average performance.
Andre-Frank Anguissa – 7
From his role in the midfield, Anguissa was one of a few Cameroonians who were not overmatched against Brazil’s talent. While he was not as active defensively, he helped facilitate many of Cameroon’s attacking chances with his intelligent distribution.
Pierre Kunde – 5
When in posession, Kunde passed the ball decently, but he was unable to generate many offensive chances, and he was lackluster on defense as well.
Eric Choupo-Moting – 5
Despite playing as Cameroon’s number ten, Choupo-Moting was unable to find the ball in dangerous areas of the pitch. Brazil’s defense forced the midfielder drop deeper into the middle third, and he managed just a few touches in the attacking zone.
Bryan Mbeumo – 6
In the first half, Mbeumo nearly scored a shock opening goal, heading the ball down on target. However, Ederson made a world-class save, and the winger was unable to recreate his magic in the subsequent minutes.
Moumi Ngamaleu – 7
Nominally the left-winger, Ngamaleu played a versatile, roaming role. He dropped in to assist Cameroon’s defensive efforts, and he created a decent number of chances with his speed and skill against Dani Alves.
Vincent Aboubakar – 7
The striker was not necessarily a shot-creating machine, but he was frequently involved in his country’s erratic offensive play. In stoppage time, he scored the game-winner but bizarrely took off his shirt while on a yellow card, destroying Cameroon’s chances to advance, as they needed another goal.