Spain-based striker Karl Etta Eyong scored after six minutes to provide five-time champions Cameroon a 1-0 victory over Gabon in a tense Africa Cup of Nations conflict on Wednesday in Agadir.
His aim earned Cameroon three factors, bringing them degree in Group F with title-holders Ivory Coast, who edged Mozambique 1-0 in Marrakesh earlier.
It was the primary time Cameroon have overwhelmed central African neighbours Gabon within the AFCON after a loss in 2010 and a draw seven years later.
The ultimate first-round group match featured groups in search of solace after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Morocco hosted play-offs final month and Gabon suffered a heavy loss to Nigeria whereas Cameroon conceded a late aim to be eradicated by the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The match additionally marked the debut of Cameroon coach David Pagou after a long-running feud between soccer federation president Samuel Eto’o and Marc Brys led to the Belgian tactician being axed.
Pagou then surprisingly dropped goalkeeper Andre Onana, on mortgage to Trabzonspor from Manchester United, and veteran striker Vincent Aboubakar when naming his AFCON squad.
There was additionally confusion over who would substitute Aboubaker as captain with Manchester United striker Bryan Mbeumo initially named.
Then it was introduced that three gamers — goalkeeper Devis Epassy, defender Nouhou Tolo and striker Christian Bassogog — would share the captaincy. Tolo led the Indomitable Lions towards Gabon.
It didn’t take Cameroon lengthy to go in entrance by way of Etta Eyong from La Liga outfit Levante, though his celebrations have been delayed by a prolonged VAR overview for potential offside.
Mbeumo was the architect of the aim, stroking an outstanding cross to Etta Eyong, whose motion off the ball created house and he beat Loyce Mbaba with a shot between the legs of the goalkeeper.
Star Gabon striker and 2015 African participant of the 12 months Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who had reportedly been dominated out of the match resulting from a knock taking part in for Marseille, got here on after 33 minutes.
However regardless of the presence of Aubameyang and common Los Angeles FC scorer Denis Bouanga within the Gabon frontline, it was Cameroon who repeatedly seemed likelier to attain.
AFP
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