AGADIR, Morocco
Cameroon began their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a moment of history as Karl Etta Eyong’s early goal secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Gabon in Agadir, their first ever AFCON win against their Central African neighbours.
The Indomitable Lions struck almost immediately, punishing a shaky Gabonese start. In the sixth minute, Bryan Mbeumo pounced on a loose defensive header before slipping a precise pass into Eyong’s path.
The forward kept his nerve, guiding a low finish between goalkeeper Marius Mbamba’s legs to set the tone for the night.
Cameroon remained the sharper side in the opening exchanges, with Gabon struggling to settle. Denis Bouanga flashed a shot narrowly wide as the Panthers tried to respond, while Danny Namaso went close at the other end with a header that drifted past the post.
Sensing danger, Gabon coach Thierry Mouyouma turned to his bench before the break, introducing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mario Lemina.
Cameroon adjusted intelligently, dropping into a more compact shape and nearly doubled their lead when Darlin Yongwa’s run was halted by a last-ditch tackle.
The second half tested Cameroon’s resolve.
Carlos Baleba was forced off injured, but chances continued to fall their way, with Baptiste Tchamadeu blazing over before Mbamba denied Mbeumo with a fine save.
Gabon pressed late, but Cameroon’s defence stood firm. Devis Epassy made a vital stop from Omva Oyono, while Frank Magri rattled the crossbar on the counter.
Calm game management saw Cameroon close out a disciplined victory that places them alongside Côte d’Ivoire at the top of Group F.
No comments:
Post a Comment