Soccer News of Monday, 14 October 2013

Source: Confederation of African Football

Cameroon, Tunisia End in Stalemate

Cameroon goalkeeper Charles Itandje was his side's hero during their 2014 FIFA World Cup playoff against Tunisia, which ended barren in Rades on Sunday.

Selected ahead of the experienced, Carlos Kameni, Itandje proved he deserved his place in the starting churning out a Man-of-the-match performance. The goalkeeper stood between the hosts and goal, pulling up six magnificent saves and ensuring the game finished with no goal. The Turkey-based shot-stopper was by far the best player in the Cameroon team led by Samuel Eto'o and given so much to worry by their hosts.

The heroics of Itandje came to light under a minute into the game when he saved Yassine Chikaoui's goalbound effort from kickoff. Minutes later, he was forced to make two saves as the Tunisians piled pressure with Cameroon struggling to settle.

On 16 minutes, Wissem Ben Yahia struck a long range shot, heading into the net before Itandje tipped the ball over to the surprise of all. In less than a minute, the goalkeeper again responded with a point-blank save from Chikaoui's header from close range. After being kept at bay, the visitors were gradually finding their rhythm, but midfielder Jean Makoun missed narrowly from the best chance for the Indomitable Lions four minutes from recess.

The second half was no different though Cameroon also had few shots at goal unlike the first half, which paired the Tunisians against Itandje. The Carthage Eagles resumed with the same momentum and ten minutes into the half, substitute Fakhereddine Ben Youssef headed wide from Yassin Mikari's cross with only Itandje at his mercy.

On 67 minutes, the best moment of the game came to Cameroon but Achilles Webo fluffed it. Webo failed to connect a cross from the left with Tunsian goalie Ben cherifa completely beaten.

Striker Amine Chermiti also troubled the Cameroon defence whilst Alaeddine Yahia was unlucky to see his effort later in the game go wide.

The Indomitable Lions held on and will be hoping to complete the story in the second leg on November 17 in Yaoundé.