The Blue Samurai, struggling for goals in the run up to the tournament, took the lead in the 39th minute and held on for the remainder of the match despite increasing pressure from the African side in the second half.
Honda said, "I found a good position and the ball was very good, I just told myself to be calm to make it because recently we have missed good chances. So I wanted to make it absolute today."
Despite an attack led by Samuel Eto’o, Cameroon never really challenged Japan keeper Eiji Kawashima. The Africans struggled to possess the ball and generate any rhythm up front, and even when they put a few passes together, the buildup usually was wasted by poor crosses.
Cameroon coach Le Guen said, "We were too nervous in the first half. We lost many, many balls because we were nervous and that is why I am disappointed tonight,they were not playing to their best of their ability and we were not able to release our potential this evening, and that is really disappointing."
Japan came close to doubling their lead as time ran out, with substitute Shinji Okazaki,on for Matsui, hitting the post after a fierce shot by captain Makito Hasebe was parried by Souleymanou. Earlier in cool conditions at the high attitude Free State stadium the crowd whipped up a lively atmosphere despite banks of empty white seats.Japan's goal came moments after Cameroon hit the first shot of the game on target, with Enoh hitting the ball straight at Kawashima.