Cameroon will aim to reclaim the top spot in Group D of the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers when they host Libya in their matchday six fixture at the Stade Omnisport Ahmadou Ahidjo on Tuesday.
The hosts are second in the standings with nine points, while the visitors are third after amassing eight points across five fixtures.
Match preview
Cameroon's quest for a ninth appearance at the FIFA World Cup got trickier after matchday five following a 0-0 draw against the less-fancied Eswatini.
Although the Indomitable Lions dominated large spells of the match, they could not find a way past the hosts, due to profligacy in front of goal, and a resolute Eswatini defence.
Returning to their stomping ground where they claimed their two wins of the qualifying series, Marc Brys's team will be aiming for a third victory as they push to reclaim top spot.
However, getting out of the blocks quickly is important for the hosts, as they have gone on to win both games at home after scoring the opener in the qualifying series.
Nevertheless, the hosts will be wary of a well-drilled Libyan team, who held them to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture on November 21, 2023.
Elsewhere, Libya started life under new manager Aliou Cisse with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Angola on Thursday.
After a largely uneventful first half, the hosts got their noses in front in the 74th minute, but they were pegged back by Fred's stoppage-time effort, which denied the Mediterranean Knights their third win of the qualifying campaign.
That result leaves the visitors third in the standings with eight points - one behind Tuesday's opponents, and two adrift of group leaders Cape Verde.
Having lost only one of their five matches so far, and being within touching distance of the top spot in the group, Cisse's side will be full of confidence going into this encounter.
However, Libya's defence will be tested against a Cameroonian side that have plundered seven goals in two matches in front of their fans and, having lost in their three visits to the Central African country, the visitors have it all to do.
Team News
Marc Brys has no new injury cases to deal with ahead of Tuesday's clash with Libya, and he is likely to field an unchanged side against the North African visitors.
Vincent Aboubakar, who is currently one strike shy of equalling Roger Milla's 43 international goals, should lead the line, with support from Bryan Mbeumo, Frank Magri and Christian Bassogog.
With Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa out with a muscle strain, Carlos Baleba is set to continue in the heart of the midfield alongside Martin Hongla.
Meanwhile, Monaco star Moatasem Al-Musrati declined a call-up, and he will be unavailable for the visitors in Cameroon.
Daniel Elfadli is also missing from the squad, but Abdallah Dagou is available to step up in his absence.
Cameroon possible starting lineup:
Onana; Tchatchoua, Wooh, Boyomo, Nouhou; Baleba, Hongla; Mbeumo, Magri, Bassogog; Aboubakar
Libya possible starting lineup:
Al Wuheeshi; Al Dhawi, Abusahmin, Alshiteewi, Artiba, Salama; Mohamed, Dagou, Ahmed, Al Khouja; Ekrawa
We say: Cameroon 1-0 Libya
Cameroon are unbeaten in the current campaign, and that is largely down to the quality within their squad.
Besides the quality within their ranks, the hosts have been imperious, scoring for fun on their turf and they are currently on a three-game winning streak against their opponents at home.
While Libya have a tendency to defend resolutely, the hosts have just enough quality to edge the visitors, therefore we predict a 1-0 triumph for Cameroon.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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