Cameroon brushed aside their turbulent pre-tournament preparations to claim a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Gabon in their opening Group F match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Karl Etta Eyong proved the difference, scoring the decisive goal just nine minutes into the contest.
The forward slotted home after being set up by Bryan Mbeumo, with the goal initially ruled out for offside before being overturned following a VAR review.
Cameroon continued to press in the first half. Samuel Kotto headed wide from a pinpoint Mbeumo cross, while Gabon came closest through Denis Bouanga, whose close-range effort was blocked in what proved to be their best chance before the break.
The Indomitable Lions suffered a setback at halftime when Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba failed to return for the second half due to injury.
Despite the loss, the five-time AFCON champions managed the game well and protected their slender advantage.
Gabon threatened again shortly after the hour mark when Bouanga slipped at a crucial moment inside the box, while Cameroon nearly doubled their lead when Frank Magri rattled the crossbar.
However, a second goal was not required as Cameroon held firm until the final whistle.
Cameroon are competing under new leadership in Morocco, with David Pagou taking charge following the dismissal of Marc Brys.
Brys initially resisted stepping aside and named a squad for the tournament, but the selection approved by Cameroonian Football Federation president Samuel Eto’o ultimately travelled.
Despite the absence of key figures such as Vincent Aboubakar, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, and André Onana, Cameroon made a winning start at the Stade d’Agadir.
Gabon, who had been unbeaten in their previous five AFCON opening matches, were unable to repeat that feat.
The contest was evenly matched statistically, with Cameroon registering 13 shots to Gabon’s 12.
The victory sees Cameroon draw level on points with holders Ivory Coast at the top of Group F, setting up a heavyweight clash between the two sides on Sunday, December 28, in Matchday 2.
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Story by Xavier Mensah | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
