AFCON 2021: Host Cameroon beat Ethiopia to reach round of 16

Africa Cup of Nations hosts Cameroon reached the knock-out stage in their second match at the tournament when they beat Ethiopia 4-1 in Group A.

Forwards Vincent Aboubakar and Karl Toko-Ekambi shared the goals after the Ethiopians awoke the Indomitable Lions by taking an early lead in Yaounde.

Ethiopia got the first goal after four minutes but the hosts were level after eight as Toko Ekambi headed home.

In the second half, Aboubakar grabbed his brace before Lyon man Toko Ekambi sscoed at the 67 minutes mark.

Cameroon qualify for the next stage as one of the best four third-placed sides at the very least, but will advance outright if Cape Verde avoid defeat in their evening clash with Burkina Faso on Thursday.

After his opening day double against the Burkinabe, with both goals coming from the penalty spot, Cameroon captain Aboubakar is the tournament top scorer after his header and tap-in took him to four goals.

He now has a record of five goals from ten Nations Cup games, a marked improvement from his first eight games producing just one goal – the winner itself in the 2017 final.

Coach Toni Conceicao’s side, which won its sixth game in a row and is seeking a sixth title, now has six points and both feet in the Round of 16.

They next meet Cape Verde, who play Burkina Faso later on Thursday, in their final group game on Monday.

BBC/Emmanuel Ukoh