Toni Conceicao began his reign as Cameroon coach with a goalless draw against Tunisia on Saturday evening at Stade Olympique de Rades.

The Carthage Eagles were preparing for the African Nations Championship qualifier against Libya and new coach Mondher Kebaier did not include experienced midfielders, Wabhi Khazri and Anice Badri.

Unlike Conceicao, Kebaier had already presided over two games since replacing French coach Alain Giresse, who led Tunisia to fourth place in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations – edging Mauritania 1-0 in his first game in charge but lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast in back-to-back friendlies in September.

A little unknown Portuguese coach Conceicao succeeded Dutch legend Clarence Seerdof after a lackluster campaign at the 2019 Afcon finals, where they were booted out in the last 16 stage by Nigeria as defending champions of the tournament.

Conceicao made wholesale changes in his team, only keeping notable strikers Karl Toko Ekambi and Bassogog from the 2019 Afcon campaign.

The first stanza did not have much of the action in the last third for both sides but Tunisia were forced to make a substitution towards the end of the first half, as Ghilane Chaalali could not continue and he was replaced by Aymen Mohamed.

The Indomitable Lions were fired up after the break and they were awarded a penalty on the hour-mark, however Bassagog could not break the deadlock as he fired his spot-kick high and wide.

The sides made numerous substitutions in the latter phase of the game, which contributed to the lack of momentum and in the end the encounter ended all square.

Tunisia will take on Libya next week Friday in the CHAN first round, before opening their 2021 Afcon qualifiers campaign in Group J against the same opponent in November.

Cameroon sports minister has appointed Portuguese-born Antonio Conceição da Silva Oliveira as the new head coach of the Indomitable Lions.

He was appointed on Friday September 20 by the Minister of Sports and Physical Education who said it is the accomplishment of a rigorous process.

The 57-year old Toni Conceicaio will be assisted by François Omam Biyik and Jacques Songo’o as goalkeepers’ trainer.

Toni Conceiçaio replaces Clarence Seedorf who was sacked after a dismal performance at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations where Cameroon were knocked

In the same light, the Minister of Sports and Physical Education Narcisse Mouelle Kombi appointed Clement Arroga as the head coach of the Intermediate Lions while Emmanuel Ndoumbe Bosso will be his assistant

Ajara Nchout scored a glorious 95th-minute winner to send Cameroon into the last 16, while the Netherlands secured top spot with victory over Canada.

It was a memorable match and 22 million Cameroonians including the President of the republic were thrilled with 95 minutes of football which went down the wire.

Cameroon simply needed to win to advance to the next stage and equal their best record ever in the tournament. With continental giant super falcons of Nigeria lying in wait, desperate to progress from the lioness’ weakness, there was plenty to play for at Monpeller

After an uneventful first half where both teams struggled to control the ball especially in their opponents half, the real drama was reserved for the second half of the game

An own goal from Aurelle Awona looked to have condemned the Lioness to a premature exit from the competition, canceling out Nchout’s opener.

However, Cameroon flooded players forward in the dying seconds. Nchout produced the moment of brilliance required, weaving her way past New Zealand defenders before firing her effort past Erin Nayler into the bottom corner.

“Not just the skill to beat Percival twice, but the composure to drift the ball into the far corner as Nayler came out, knowing that her country was out of the World Cup if she missed.” The Guardian reported

Alain Djeumfa’s side was the better team this afternoon and deserve its place in the next round of the competition, which is secured thanks to its win along with their good disciplinary record. New Zealand didn’t have enough in the contest, and although it will be disappointed to lose in that manner, it didn’t deserve to continue at the expense of Cameroon.

Shortly after the game in a post-match interview, match winner Nchout Ajara said they played and gave their all for the people of Cameroon and for peace in Cameroon, a dedication to the crisis stricken Anglophone regions which has killed many as secessionist fight for autonomous state of Ambazonia.

Her compassionate statement in front of the world stage immediately won more hearts for the female lions, with many taking to social media to congratulate the girls and thank the super star for thinking of Cameroonians west of the Mungo during these trying times.

The heroics from the female lions won the hearts of many including the commander in chief who took to twitter to congratulate the girls saying “Congratulations to the Indomitable Lionesses! You have been heroic. I am with you wholeheartedly.”

Bravo les Lionnes Indomptables !
Vous avez été héroïques.
Je suis de tout cœur avec vous.
🇨🇲🇨🇲🇨🇲
Congratulations to the Indomitable Lionesses !
You have been heroic.
I am with you wholeheartedly.#FIFAWWC #DareToShine #AllezLesLionnes #Cameroun#Cameroon#PaulBiya

— President Paul BIYA (@PR_Paul_BIYA) June 20, 2019