9-Man Brazil Defeats Cameroon in the 8-Nation International Tournament

A nine-man Brazil held on to beat Cameroon by one goal to nil (1-0) in an evenly contested 8-Nation International tournament Group B game played at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday (26 May) evening.

It was a tight game throughout as the African side gave as good as they got and pushed hard for an equaliser during the final 30 minutes, during which time Brazil's numbers were reduced to 10, and then nine, after two red cards.

After an initial burst of a bright start by Cameroon, it was the South American side that settled comfortably into their passing rhythm.

Cameroon was content to sit back and let their opponents have the ball, not having to build up too much of a sweat in defence.

Brazil's play-maker Misael Bueno tried to get things going for his team, who despite their constant probing found very little leeway in the Cameroon rearguard.

Finally though Brazil's persistence paid off when in the 29th minute Joao Felipe played in Bruno Mendes, who, clean through on goal in a central position, had the composure to slot the ball past Cameroon keeper Kerrido Haschou.

Cameroon had a great chance to draw level five minutes before the break, but after Yazid Emane had played in an accurate cross, Jean Bassilekin headed the ball over the bar from only six yards out.

A couple of minutes before the break saw Brazil coming close to adding a second when Bueno sprinted clear down the right wing, before firing a shot through the legs of goal keeper Haschou, who was relieved to see the ball spurting clear of his goal.

The West Africans started the second half with far more pace and purpose.

Five minutes in and their efforts nearly paid dividends as Emmanuel Ewangue strode forward from midfield before unleashing a thunderous drive, which crashed into the upright, much to the disappointment of the sizable Cameroon support in the stands.

A minute later and Cameroon were again denied, this time Brazil keeper Matheus de Oliveira diving across to palm away Charles Etoundi's rifled effort.

The game then became increasingly physical with neither side holding back in the tackle, leading Brazil playing the final 25 minutes with less men after Luiz Conde received a straight red for a reckless challenge.

In the 84th minute the South Americans lost their second player of the night as Jean Deretti received a second yellow card for using his hand to steer the ball into goal.

All the while Cameroon had been doing most of the attacking, but only had a free kick from Emane, which sailed marginally over, to show for their efforts.

With the game in injury time, Etoundi again came close when his shot deflected just wide of goal.

It had been an impressive late rally by Cameroon, but ultimately they just couldn't do enough to score.