Substitute Christian Bassogog struck twice coming off the bench, adding to early strikes from Vincent Aboubakar and Zambo Anguissa as a clinical Indomitable Lions of team picked up a 4-0 win against Malawi to go top of Group D of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

The Lions arrived Johannesburg on Wednesday morning knowing there was no room for errors.

Coach António Conceiçao named a strong starting XI for the penultimate fixture, notably bringing in Andre Onana for his first game of the qualifier.

Aboubakar eased any nerves from Cameroon supporters watching events at the Orlando Stadium from with a 23rd minute goal from the penalty spot. His initial shot on target had been cleared off the line by Peter Banda of Malawi who was sent for an early bath.

The goal for the Lions, plus the red card for their host pave the way for the team to tick as planned, exploiting spaces in the opposition backline.

Ngadeu came close to scoring the second for the Lions just after the half hour mark. Unfortunately for the sweeper, his effort came off the woodwork.

The Lions finally doubled their lead through Anguissa in the 41st minute, off an assist from Nicolas Moumie Ngamaleu who played a part in the first goal.

The team maintained the two-goal advantage till the recess.

The Lions returned for the second segment with a better tempo, especially upon the introduction of substitutes Christian Bassogog, Stephane Bahoken, Lea Siliki, Ignatius Ganago and Leandre Tawamba.

Zambo Anguissa, captain Vincent Aboubakar, Karl Toko Ekambi, Moumie Ngamaleu and Martin Hongla were replaced way before the end of the game.

The game finally found it’s second-half spark in the 85th minute when Bassogog beat two defenders before delivery the ball to the back of the net for the Lions’ third goal of the afternoon.

A beautiful curler from Bassogog who benefitted from a Lea Siliki assist two minutes later made it 4-0 for Conceiçao’s charges.

The roar of the Lions got louder and they protected their goal cage properly for the remainder of the game.

With 12 points, the Lions are second-seeded in Group D, just a point behind Ivory Coast who won 2-0 against Mozambique.

The Lions and the Elephants are neck-to-neck for the top spot with the Elephants of Ivory Coast going into their do-or-die Match-Day six clash at the Japoma Omnisport Stadium on Tuesday.