Ireland Hold Cameroon 1-1 in Group E

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, June 01, 2002

Ireland Hold Cameroon 1-1 in Group E

Ireland held African champions Cameroon to a 1-1 draw in a World Cup Group E clash Saturday in Nigata.

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Ireland Hold Cameroon 1-1 in Group E

Ireland held African champions Cameroon to a 1-1 draw in a World Cup Group E clash Saturday in Niigata, Japan.

Cameroon, who made history by beating defending champs Argentina in the first round and romping into the quarter-finals in the 1990 World Cup, opened the scoring through Sunderland

striker Patrck Mboma, who tapped home a pass by Samuel Eto'o at the 39th minute.

Ireland looked an invigorated team in the second half, threatening Cameroon's goal constantly.

Their efforts paid off as midfielder Matt Holland equalized with a strong low drive at the 52nd minute.

"We had a lot of chances in the second half. We got one back but we couldn't get the winner. But it was a good performance nonetheless," Holland said.

Talking about his goal, Holland said: "It came to me. I've scored a couple like that in the qualifiying campaign so it was nice to get one like that now that we're here. Hopefully it will stand us in good stead. There are two more games to go. It was a crucial result today that we didn't get beat."

Ireland was missing Manchester United star Roy Keane, who left the team after a bustup with head coach Mick McCarthy.

Ireland's request to call Colin Healy into their World Cup squad in place of Roy Keane has been turned down by FIFA.

At Niigata Big Swan Stadium, Irish fans chanted "Are you watching Roy Keane?" throughout the match.

In the closing minutes, Ireland almost snatched victory when Robbie Keane's 20-meter blast bounced off the right pole.

Teams:

Ireland: 1-Shay Given, 3-Ian Harte (21-Steven Reid, 72), 5-Steve Staunton, 7-Jason Mcateer (2-Steve Finnan, 46), 8-Matt Holland,9-Damien Duff, 10-Robbie Keane, 11-Kevin Kilbane, 12-Mark Kinsella,14-Gary Breen, 18-Garry Kelly.

Cameroon: 1-Boukar Alioum, 2-Bill Tchato, 3-Pierre Wome,4-Rigobert Song, 5-Raymond Kalla, 8-Geremi, 9-Samuel Etoo,10-Patrick Mboma (Patrick Suffo, 68), 12-Lauren, 17-Marc-Vivien Foe,20-Salomon Olembe.

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