Carlos Baleba impressed as he helped Cameroon to an important win.

The Albion midfielder was a bright spot for the Indomitable Lions as they struggled to a 1-0 win at home to Namibia in AFCON qualifying.

The match was played against a backdrop of turmoil due to a dispute between the Cameroonian football federation and the Government over choice of venue.

At one, stage it appeared the under-20s might have to fulfil the fixture against Namibia.

READ MORE: CARLOS BALEBA REVEALS TARGET FOR BIG SEASON

Baleba played as the holding midfielder in a 4-1-4-1 set-up.

He almost gave his side an early lead when a powerful shot was pushed away by keeper Edward Maova.

Cameroon are favourites to win their group and qualify for the finals in Morocco, which take place midway through the 2024-25 season as far as European leagues, including the Premier League, are concerned.

They play Zimbabwe on Tuesday with the game being staged in Kampala, Uganda.

Ivory Coast are also off to a winning start as Simon Adingra helped the holders beat Zambia 2-0.

Like Baleba, Adingra was many observers' choice as man of the match.

He was involved in the opening goal.

Ivory Coast take on Chad on Tuesday, although the game is being played in Cameroon.