It is an understatement to say that Karl Toko-Ekambi’s teammates were expected, Sunday, January 9, at the Olembe stadium in Yaoundé. Cameroon launched hostilities during his African Cup of Nations facing Burkina Faso – under the eyes of its president – in an enclosure filled to 80%. An opening match which, for 90 minutes, put aside the health and safety issues related to the organization of the competition to make way for the game.
And on the field, the Indomitable Lions responded, winning 2-1 against the Stallions thanks to two penalties converted by their captain Vincent Aboubakar in the first period. If all was not perfect, the men of Antonio Conceiçao started their tournament by taking the three points. And this is the most important for one of the favorites of the competition.
> Relive the Cameroonian victory against Burkina Faso in the opening match of CAN 2022
In a stadium in Olembe, won over to their cause, where the noise of vuvuzelas continued to sound throughout the game, the Cameroonians got off to a good start in this CAN 2022. Dominators without ever succeeding in making the break However, they were exposed to some fears, such as Gustavo Sangaré’s opening scoring in the 24th minute.
On a triple opportunity in the space of 60 seconds, the Quevilly-Rouen player cooled the ardor of thousands of Indomitable Lions supporters by taking a volley from a center at the far post from Bertrand Traoré. His strike with the flat left foot under the bar left no chance for André Onana (0-1, 24th). The first goal of the competition, but also that of Sangaré with Burkina Faso for his 8th selection.
Keep calm ✔️
⚽ Mark ✔️
Celebrate ✔️Vincent Aboubakar lit up the opening match # TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 ! # CAN2021 | #CMRBFA | #TeamCameroon pic.twitter.com/R6NvconlIr
– # TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 – FR (@caf_online_FR) January 9, 2022
Picked up on the first real Burkinabè opportunity, the Cameroonians returned to the place, taking advantage of a foul by Traoré on Zambo Anguissa in the area a quarter of an hour later. After confirmation of the VAR, captain Vincent Aboubakatr assumed his responsibilities and equalized (1-1, 40th). Just before the break, it was again he who made the break in the same exercise, after a rule cut from Issoufou Dayo on Nouhou Tolo (2-1, 45th + 3).
An end to the first cruel act for the Stallions, who are not inclined to return to the score after returning from the locker room. Neither a floating free kick from Bertrand Traoré (46th), nor a resumption at the near post of Adama Guira (55th) did not shake the nets of Hervé Koffi. A third goal from Aboubakar was even refused on the hour mark for a very contentious offside position. Cameroon, without being brilliant, wins and launches its tournament.