All eyes on Cameroon as giants' fight 'intensified' in Africa Cup of Nations

DOUALA, Cameroon

All eyes were on Group E once again as Cote d’Ivoire played out an entertaining match against Equatorial Guinea in their opening fixture of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations at the Japoma Stadium in Douala on Wednesday.

Patrice Beaumelle's side shot to the top of Group E after a 1-0 victory against the well drilled Nzalang Naciona. Cote d’Ivoire were coming into the match as favourites opened the scoring early on. 

 Max-Alain Gradel's right footed shot from outside the box found the top right corner of the net to beat Equatorial Guinea Keeper Manuel Mbara Sapunga in spectacular fashion.

Equatorial Guinea nearly found the equalizer, Basilio Ndong’s left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner by Badra Ali Sangare.

Ibrahim Sangaré had a chance to double the lead for the Elephants but his header from the centre of the box is too high after a wonderful cross by Franck Kessié.

Nzalang Nacional were beginning to pile the pressure on the Elephants in the last quarter of the first half. Saúl Coco’s right footed shot from the left side of the box was close, but missed to the left-hand side of Badra. Coco was in the thick of things again with another attempt blocked in the six-yard box.

The first half ended 1-0 in favor of the Cote d’Ivoire.

The second period began as the first ended with Equatorial Guinea on the front foot looking to get back into the match. Dorian Hanza threatened but his header was just wide of goal from Emilio Nsue's cross.

Nsue has a chance himself to get a goal and put his team on level terms. 

A searching ball over the top by José Marchín found the captain but his right footed shot didn’t have enough bend to beat the Elephants keeper Badra.

In an attempt to seal the game Beaumelle made a triple substitution with Nicolas Pépé replacing Max-Alain Gradel. Wilfried Zaha came on for Maxwel Cornet while Serey Dié replaced Franck Kessié.

Historic victory for The Gambia:

A day of history. The Gambia' Scorpions achieve a historic feat by winning their first match for their first appearance in AFCON finals. 

The RFC midfielder Seraing also entered the history of Gambian football, scoring the only goal of the match. First achievement for The Gambia in TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon 2021.

The Scorpions started the game very strongly in Limbé, making the Mourabitounes doubt with a goal action from the tenth minute.

Barrow found Ablie Jallow who controled the ball from the right before putting a dry strike with his left foot into the net of goalkeeper Diop Babacar.

After this goal, the Mauritanians tried to get back to the mark and played very high, but the Gambian defense, well around their goalkeeper Jobe Modou annihilated all actions.

Neither Ba Papa Ibnou, nor even Captain Aboubacar Kamara succeeded in breaking the wall of the Scorpions.

After the break, the Mourabitounes played their game with forays to the sides, or collective combinations, but always in vain against Modou.

Neither the intention of Fofana Gussouma's comrades, nor even the application and experience of Le Havre Ibnou were enough to set the record straight.

On the other side, the charges of Tom Saintfiet played blocks and controled the ball to hold this first historic victory for the Scorpions.

The Gambia, which is the only team to have made it through the playoffs and then the qualifying group stage for the 2021 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, finishing first in their group ahead of Gabon can celebrate their entry. Three precious points for captain Pa Modou Jagne and his teammates who join Mali at the top of Group F.

Mali triumph over Tunisia in Group F

The Eagles of Mali kicked off their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cameroon 2021 campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Tunisia in Limbé.

Ibrahima Kone scored from the spot two minutes into the second half after Ellyes Joris Skhiri was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area.

Tunisia had a penalty of their own 15 minutes from time, but captain Wahbi Khazri saw his effort saved by Bosso Ibrahim.

The Eagles were reduced to 10 men in the closing stages following El Bilal Toure's heavy challenge on Skhiri.

The West Africans dominated proceeding in Limbé with their free-flowing football forcing the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia to sit deep.

Ibrahim Kone showed flashes of his ability inside two minutes, dropping a shoulder before forcing a corner from Ben Said in the Tunisian goal.

Boubacar Kiki Koutate headed over the goal from close range before Adama Traore also headed over the post seven minutes before halftime.

Mali started the second period the better side and were awarded a penalty when Skhiri handled the ball inside the box.

Towering striker Ibrahima Kone neatly dispatched the penalty to give Mohamed Magassouba's side the lead.

Tunisia won a penalty late on but Wahbi Khazri failed to beat Bosso Ibrahim, who dived to his right to deny the Tunisian captain.

The end of the match was marred by the controversial decision of the match referee to put the game off seconds before the end of regulation time. The Malians returned to the pitch to play the remaining time, but the Tunisians preferred not to return to immediately look into the next match.

Mali's victory sends them to the top of the group before their second match against The Gambia on 16 January. The Scorpions will play Mauritania in the second match of Group F.