Cameroon put up a spirited comeback to beat Burkina Faso in the 2021 AFCON opener at the Olembe Stadium on Sunday.
The Cameroonian mounted pressure from the word go and were awarded a free kick after Steeve Yago crushed heavily into Fai Collins with just over a minute played. The resultant kick was wasted. Karl Toko Ekambi had one of the best opportunities to put Cameroon in front when Burkina Faso goalkeeper, Herve Koffi came off his line but Steeve Yago defended well for the Stallions to keep the game barren at 8 minutes.
Much goal scoring opportunities were not created in 20 minutes played with ball possession switching to both sides in a ding-dong manner. Burkina Faso finally broke the deadlock with 24 minutes played.
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, who scored the equalizer 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 broke very quickly on a counter attack with Vincent Aboubakar’s strike saved by Herve Koffi but a second touch into the net was disallowed on the 57th minute. The decision had to go to the VAR which was not given after a long review. With 74th minute played, Andre Zambo Anguissa took a well struck shot but will have it blocked for a corner kick.
Cameroon were buoyed by the 2-1 lead catching the Burkinabés with quick counter attacks but struggled to find the back of the net.
The Indomitable Lions will earn their first three points when referee, Mustapha Ghorbal whistled for the end of the entire game after five minutes of added time was exhausted.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
