Cameroon, Australia in Danger of Exit After 1-1 Draw in 2017 Confederations Cup

Cameroon and Australia battled to a 1-1 stalemate at the Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on Thursday to leave both teams in jeopardy of an early Confederations Cup exit.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa struck on the stroke of half-time before Mark Milligan replied from the penalty spot on the hour-mark.

The result leaves both sides on one point, leaving them with the need to win their final matches against Germany and Chile, respectively, to have a chance of progressing.

Australia began with intent, but they were nevertheless willing to remain patient in their buildup as they worked their way forward, and Robbie Kruse tested Fabrice Ondoa inside two minutes, albeit his effort was straight at the stopper.

Kruse continued to get forward well, though Tomi Juric was unable to connect with his dangerous cross. The Guardian's Kieran Pender hailed the Socceroos' promising start:

Cameroon threatened on the break with pace and direct running, while Collins Fai volleyed into the side netting after a free-kick, though clear-cut chances were at something of a premium.

Juric also shot straight at Ondoa during an Australian attack, while Milos Degenek was fortunate to escape sanction for hindering Christian Bassogog during a lightning-quick Cameroon counter.

The Indomitable Lions took the lead with the last kick of the half when they launched a long ball forward. Zambo Anguissar raced on to the pass as Mat Ryan came out in an attempt to sweep up, but the goalkeeper got caught in no man's land and allowed the striker to deftly touch it past him and in.

OLGA MALTSEVA/Getty Images

Former Australian international Robbie Slater wasn't impressed, while Fox Sports' Brenton Speed singled out Degenek for his fault in the goal:

"

If Degenek let's him go... he's offside... but keeps him on-side and then can't stay goal-side. Next! #CMRAUS

— Brenton Speed (@BrentonSpeed) June 22, 2017"

The Socceroos had a golden opportunity to hit back immediately after the restart when Mathew Leckie squared for Juric in the box, but the forward failed to even hit the target.

Cameroon missed an even better chance to double their tally when the ball was cut back to Vincent Aboubakar from the byline, but he could only drag his effort wide.

The miss would prove costly, as just minutes later, Ernest Mabouka felled Alex Gersbach in the area and Australia were awarded a penalty after the referee consulted the video assistant, which Milligan confidently dispatched.

Aboubakar had two chances to make amends for his earlier miss, but under pressure from Degenek, he couldn't convert Bassogog's cross, and he also headed another delivery over.

Cameroon enjoyed the better of the opportunities as the contest wore on, but neither side were able to make another serious breakthrough.