 campaign with a moment of history, as they secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Gabon.){kind=link}
Cameroon began its CAF Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a moment of history, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Gabon, their first ever AFCON win against their Central African neighbours in Agadir, Morocco.
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 pass into Eyong’s path. The forward kept his nerve, scoring past goalkeeper Marius Mbamba.
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.
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. Calm game management saw Cameroon close out a disciplined victory that places them alongside Côte d’Ivoire at the top of Group F.
“I’m very happy. The team played a good game. We were solid and we’re pleased with the victory,” Man of the Match, Bryan Mbeumo, said.“We knew Gabon would be a difficult opponent;
“But against Côte d’Ivoire we will have to be ready because we know they are a very strong team. We stayed focused and very solid. Everyone defended well and worked hard for each other, and that produced a good result.”
Wednesday’s AFCON results
Burkina Faso 2-1 Equatorial Guinea
Algeria 3-0 Sudan
Cote d’Ivoire 1-0 Mozambique
Cameroon 1-0 Gabon.