Portugal were celebrating again in Soke (©UEFA)Portugal get back on track
Tuesday, 8 February 2005
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PrintPortugal responded to their goaless draw with Egypt on UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup Matchday 2 by overcoming Cameroon 3-1 in Soke, António Ferreira, Bruno Gama and Julien Araújo getting the goals.
Tó Mané on target
Sporting Clube de Portugal striker Ferreira, otherwise known as Tó Mané, opened the scoring in the 29th minute before Gama made it two eight minutes into the second half. Julien sealed the win with a third strike 14 minutes from time, with Cameroon captain Guy Toindouba scoring a consolation goal from the penalty spot seven minutes later.
Attacking initiative
Portugal coach Carlos Dinis opted to deploy his side in a 4-3-3 formation, with Gilberto Da Silva and Tiago Pires coming into the starting lineup. Cameroon coach Engelbert Mbarga opted to make two changes from the side that lost 4-0 to Spain on Sunday, Aurélien Oko Botha and Max Pehn coming into the starting lineup.
Midfield dominance
Portugal quickly gained control of the midfield and refused to loosen their grip for the remainder of the first half. It was Cameroon who came closest to breaking the deadlock, however, as João Pedro was called upon to rescue Ricardo Jonata after the Portugal goalkeeper had dropped a 17th-minute cross. The opening goal arrived a minute before the half-hour, Julien winning possession in the attacking third and finding Tó Mané, whose simple finish put his side ahead.
Clinical finish
Cameroon looked the more positive team in the early stages of the second half, but their deficit was doubled in the 53rd minute. Portugal broke quickly as Cameroon pressed forward and Gama clinically applied the finishing touch to a swift counterattack, running 20 metres with the ball before placing his shot beyond goalkeeper Blasius Otiah.
Late reply
Having created the first goal, Julien scored the third himself 14 minutes from time, collecting possession after Gama had been brought down and giving Otiah no chance with his shot. Cameroon finally got the goal their efforts had warranted with seven minutes remaining, Toindouba making no mistake from the spot after Gilberto had been sent off for a professional foul to claim his side's first goal of the 2005 competition.
Friday finale
Portugal's campaign ends on Friday when they meet Sierra Leone in Aydin, when African Under-17 champions Cameroon will seek to end the competition with a win in Kusadasi, against hosts Turkey.
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