Cameroon came from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Burkina Faso in their opening Group A clash at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday afternoon.
The Indomitable Lions nearly broke the deadlock after just seven minutes when Vincent Aboubakar’s curling shot went over the bar with Herve Koffi well beaten.
Burkina Faso created a chance of their own moments later, as Bertrand Traore combined well with Steve Yago, before firing a low effort just wide of the upright.
The Stallions eventually broke the deadlock in the 24th minute as Gustavo Sangare pounced on a loose ball after Bertrand Traore’s header was cleared off the line from a corner, moments before.
Cameroon threatened for the first time in the 29th minute when Samuel Oum slipped Tolo Nouhou into space with a fine pass, but he fired inches over the crossbar from 16-yards out.
The Indomitable Lions found an equalizer on the 34th minute courtesy of a well-taken penalty by Vincent Aboubakar after Traore brought down Anguissa, with referee making the decision after VAR review.
Cameroon then went ahead at the stroke of halftime and again from the spot after Issoufou Dayo slid in and tackled Nouhou with Aboubakar stepping up and tucked the penalty, 2-1.
Burkina Faso got off to blistering start in the second half and were nearly level in the 49th minute but Issa Kabore blazed wide of the mark from six-yards out.
Fai Collins should have added a third for Cameroon in the 65th minute but striker managed to place his effort over the crossbar from close range.
The Stallions has another effort on target in the 76th minute, as Andre Onana pulled off a fine save to deny Edmond Tapsoba from close range.
Herve Koffi was called into action minutes later, this time pulling off a fine save to deny Zambo Anguissa from six-yards out.
Cameroon managed to see out the rest of the match with relative ease, as they claimed valuable points in the hunt for a fourth Nations Cup crown, while the Stallions will be disappointed at the result but should take pride from their brave performance.
How they lined-up:
Cameroon XI: Andre Onana, Onguene, Ngadeu-Ngadjui, Tolo, Zambo Anguissa, Fai, Gouet, Kunde, Ngamaleu, Aboubakar, Toko Ekambi.
Substitutes: Moukoudi, Oyongo, N’Jie, Bahoken, Bassogog, Choupo-Moting, Epassy, Ganago, Castelletto, Omossola, Lea Siliki, Neyou.
Burkina Faso XI: Koffi, Kabore, Dayo, Yago, Malo, Guira, Toure, Bertrand Traore, Sangare, Bayala, Abdoul Tapsoba.
Substitutes: Sawadogo, Djibril Ouattara, Eric Traore, Abdoul Nikiema, Konate, Hermann Nikiema, Sanogo, Ismahila Ouedraogo, Bande, Farid Ouedraogo, Botue.
