Accra, Jan. 9, GNA – The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon defeated Burkina Faso 2-1 in the opening match of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Yaoundé, Cameroon on Sunday evening.
Cameroon put up a spirited comeback to beat Burkina Faso in the 2021 AFCON opener at the Olembe Stadium on Sunday.
After series of exchanges, Burkina Faso opened the scores in the 24th minute.
Bertrand Traore’s first header from a corner Gustavo Sangare’s corner kick was cleared off the line before a second cross by the Aston Villa man from the right side of Cameroon’s goal area, saw Gustavo Sangare tap in for the opener.
Cameroon called for a penalty after Andre Zambo Anguissa was brought down by Bertrand Traoré in the penalty area but it had to go to the Video Assistant Referee which was eventually given on the 35th minute.
Captain Vincent Aboubakar stepped up and sent goalkeeper Herve Koffi the wrong way for the Indomitable Lions’ equalizer on the 40th minute.
Cameroon were awarded a second penalty after Issoufou Dayo clumsily hacked down left back, Nouhou Tolo with just a minute to the first half break.
Aboubakar, again scored the equaliser from the spot elected himself for the second time which he scored to put Cameroon 2-1 up at half time.
Back for the second half, Bertrand Traore tested Andre Onana with a free kick which the new Inter Milan goalkeeper punched into corner kick which the Stallions equally failed to make good use of.
Nouhou Tolo gifted Burkina Faso with a free kick after a horrible challenge on Issa Kabore which nearly fetched the Stallions’ equalizer but Jerome Onguene saved the situation for Cameron on the 54th minute.
Cameroon were buoyed by the 2-1 lead catching the Burkinabés with quick counter attacks but struggled to find the back of the net till the close of the game.
GNA