Cameroon 3-3 Serbia: Aboubakar keeps the Indomitable Lions alive

Cameroon fought back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 3-3 draw with Serbia, which preserves both sides' chances of qualifying for the knockout stages of the World Cup.

The Indomitable Lions, with regular keeper Andre Onana reportedly on the way back after a falling out with coach Rigobert Song, scored first through Jean-Charles Castelletto, but Serbia took control through goals from Strahinja Pavlovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Aleksandar Mitrovic.

It looked like Dragan Stojkovic's men were cruising but they were stung by two goals in three minutes in the second half, substitute Vincent Aboubakar's clever finish reducing the backlog before Eric Choupo-Moting brings the Cameroonian level.

Serbia led most of the first half but had to wait until just before half-time to assert their superiority in the Group G clash at Al Janoub Stadium on Monday.

Mitrovic fired a left-footed shot against the post in the sixth minute after a nice one-two with Dusan Tadic and, six minutes later, went close again, firing from close range after the ball had rebounded in the Cameroonian penalty area.

Serbia had to pay for their prodigality when Cameroon took the lead as the half-hour approached.

Pierre Kunde whipped in a corner from the left which was grazed by Nicolas Nkoulou and Castelletto tapped in at the far post.

Cameroon could have doubled their lead after 43 minutes, but Kunde fired a straight shot at goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic when he was clean before clipping the rebound horribly wide.

It must have been a critical moment as Serbia turned things around before the break.

First, Pavlovic headed Tadic's floating free kick before Sergej Milinkovic-Savic headed home from the edge of the box, although Onana's assistant Devis Epassy would have had to do better.

Mitrovic scored the goal he deserved eight minutes into the second half.

The fine interplay of Filip Kostic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic allowed Andrija Zivkovic to find space on the right side of the box and his reduction was perfect for Mitrovic to tap into an empty net.

Cameroon looked beaten but the introduction of Aboubakar in the 55th minute turned the game upside down.

The Al Nassr striker made it 3-2 after 64 minutes, running over the through ball from Castelletto before producing a cheeky scoop at Serbian keeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic - the goal awarded after a VAR control.

He then turned provider two minutes later, escaping to the right before crossing for Choupo-Moting to fire.

Mitrovic could have won but shot straight at Epassy.

What does this mean? Cameroon on the brink of elimination

The draw ended Cameroon's eight-game losing streak at the World Cup. Qualification for the knockout stage, however, remains unlikely. Song's men will have to beat Brazil on Matchday 3 and hope other results suit them.

Serbia must also win their last game against Switzerland on Friday to have any chance of staying in the tournament.

Mitrovic the hero and the villain

Fulham striker Mitrovic scored and was a constant threat to the Cameroon defense but wasted many chances to put Serbia out of sight.

He should have scored twice in the first half and, with a delicately laid chaotic game at 3-3, should have done better late in the game than shooting straight at Epassi.

Aboubakar provides the spark for Cameroon

Surprisingly, Aboubakar didn't start any of Cameroon's games in Qatar, despite finishing top scorer at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

The former Porto man was brilliant after his introduction. Named man of the match despite coming on in the 55th minute, he scored five touches in the opposing area and three shots, including two on target.

What's next?

Cameroon meet Brazil on Friday while Serbia take on Switzerland.