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Cameroon have missed out on qualification for next year’s World Cup – causing Manchester United star Bryan Mbeumo to storm off the field in frustration.
After African qualifying was wrapped up in the last international break in terms of the group phase, Cameroon finished second in their group, four points behind first-time qualifiers Cape Verde.
It meant they would face a play-off against a team from another group, and would take on DR Congo. They went into the game as heavy favorites, but suffered an agonizing 1-0 defeat.
Chancel Mbemba, formerly of Newcastle, scored the winner in stoppage time, triggering ecstatic scenes as Cameroon players fell to the ground.
Mbeumo will miss the competition alongside now-former teammate Andre Onana, with the likes of Manchester United target Carlos Baleba also playing in Thursday’s defeat.
A video shared to social media showed Mbeumo looking furious as he left the field, with the rain falling around him.
Bryan Mbeumo stormed off the field after his Cameroon side failed to qualify for the World Cup
Mbeumo’s side were facing off against DR Congo in the play-offs after finishing second in their group
Mbeumo’s former Manchester United team-mate Andre Onana is among the other Cameroon players who have missed out on a spot in the US, Canada and Mexico
He had to be consoled as he left the field of play, seemingly heading for the changing room to reflect on what had been a tough campaign.
Cameroon have only missed three editions of the World Cup since debuting in 1982, holding the record for the most appearances by an African team with eight.
They won just five of their matches in qualifying, with pressure now building on manager Marc Brys.
His position had already been contentious after he was appointed by the country’s ministry against the wishes of former Chelsea and Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o, who is the president of the football federation.
Mbeumo, meanwhile, has scored seven goals in 26 games for Cameroon, and is his country’s talisman. Onana, who left United in the summer for Trabzonspor, has played 52 times for his country.
Included in the Dr Congo side were were West Ham’s Aaron Wan-bissaka, Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe and Sunderland’s Noah Sidiki.
DR Congo will take on Nigeria in the final of the Africa qualifiers for a spot in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
