Preview: Mozambique vs. Cameroon - prediction, team news, lineups

Aiming to avoid a third World Cup qualifying defeat on the bounce, Mozambique play host to Cameroon at the Grand Stade de Tanger on Monday.

On the other hand, the away side go in search of back to back victories for the first time in over a year having returned to winning ways last time out.

Match preview

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Off the back of a 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast, Cameroon wasted no time in bouncing back as they eased past Mozambique 3-1 at the Stade Omnisports on Friday.

Two goals from Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and a Karl Toko Ekambi strike put Toni Conceicao's men in the driving seat, before Geny Catamo pulled one back for his side with 10 minutes left on the clock.

The Indomitable Lions are in second place as things stand, one point behind current leaders Ivory Coast with three matches left to play.

Sunday's visitors, who have appeared at the World Cup finals more times than any other African nation, now have little margin for error from here on in to secure a place in Qatar next year.

Having picked up only two points from their three World Cup qualifiers on the road four years ago which ultimately saw them fail to qualify, the central Africans will be keen to get going on the road this time around.

Mozambique kicked off their qualifying journey with an impressive 0-0 draw against more illustrious opponents in Ivory Coast but have since flattered to deceive.

Horacio Goncalves's men fell to a 1-0 defeat against Malawi on September 7 in their most recent outing prior to Friday's game meaning that they have only managed one point from three matches.

Unsurprisingly, Os Mambas are rooted to the bottom of the group midway through the qualifiers and any chances of a first ever World Cup appearance look to be all but over now.

Sunday's hosts have also failed to secure a place at next year's Africa Cup of Nations in January, but a victory on Monday would help brighten the mood.

Team News

Choupo-Moting has now scored 17 goals for Cameroon following his brace last time out and has moved into the top 10 of his nation's all-time scoring chart.

Of all active players, only Vincent Aboubakar has found the back of the net more times than the Bayern Munich forward and the latter will be looking to end a two-game goalless streak.

Danilo Muze is suspended for the contest after he was given his marching orders in the final knockings of the hosts' most recent involvement.

In Muze's absence, 24-year-old Nene is expected to continue in the heart of the midfield alongside Manuel Kambala as Goncalves sticks with his preferred 4-4-2 system.

Mozambique possible starting lineup:
Ernan; Cigano, Mandava, Norberto, Martinho; Miquissone, Shaquille, Nene, Kambala; Catamo, Antonio

Cameroon possible starting lineup:
Epassy; Ngadeu, Mbaizo, Moukoudi; Tolo, Anguissa, Hongla, Ngamaleu; Ekambi, Aboubakar, Choupo-Moting

We say: Mozambique 0-2 Cameroon

With such firepower up front, Cameroon will be expected to have the wherewithal to come away with all three points in this one and we are backing them to emerge victorious in a relatively comfortable manner come the end of the 90 minutes.