Choupo-Moting’s strike not enough for Cameroon

There was a painful end for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Cameroon on Monday. Despite the Schalke star bringing the “Untameable Lions” back to 2-2 in the 88th minute of their friendly against France, the Africans had to admit defeat. It was Dimitri Payet who gave Les Bleus their 3-2 victory, with an inch-perfect free-kick in the 90th minute.

In the 20th minute Blaise Matuidi had put France into the lead in the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes in what was their first real passage of play, however, Vincent Aboubakar equalised only a few moments later. Shortly before the break, Olivier Giroud put the European Championship hosts back in front.

Half-time substitute Choupo-Moting did indeed bring the Cameroonians back into the game once again, but nevertheless, it wasn’t enough.

After this friendly in France, Choupo-Moting wants to help Cameroon defend their spot at the top of Group M in qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations against Mauritania on Friday, and take a big step towards the 2017 finals in Gabon.