Cameroon kicks off the TotalEnergies 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in style with a 2-1 win against Burkina Faso on Sunday.
Gustavo Sangaré scored the opening goal of the tournament for Burkina Faso but Vincent Aboubakar scored twice from the spot kick for Cameroon to give his side a deserved victory at Stade Omnisport Paul Biya, Olembé.
Steeve Yago was booked after less than a minute for a late challenge. Ngamaleu sent in a resultant free-kick but Burkina Faso cleared it away.
In the third minute, Bertrand Traore attempted to make an impact for Burkina Faso but he was closed down.
Vincent Aboubakar got into a dangerous position for Cameroon in the seventh minute but his shot was wayward.
Three minutes later, Burkina Faso goalkeeper Koffi needlessly ran out of his goal. Toko Ekambi looked to take advantage down the right flank but he was closed down.
In the 19th minute, Cameroon custodian Andre Onana came out of his goal and won the ball, with Bayala being caught afterwards.
Cameroon’s Jerome Onguene made a good interception to deny Abdoul Tapsoba in the 24th minute.
Traore had a header cleared off the line from a resultant corner kick, Sangare’s effort was mis-judged by Onana and then shortly afterwards Sangare finished well after Onana missed the ball. It was a composed finish from Sangare from a difficult angle.
Cameroon seni in a corner and Anguissa went down in the box following a challenge from Traore. Referee Mustapha Ghorbal reviewed the challenge on the VAR monitor and awarded Cameroon a penalty.
Aboubakar stepped up to take the penalty and dispatched it confidently to make it 1-1 in the 40th minute.
Cameroon had another penalty in the 48th minute after Dayo made a late challenge on Nouhou Tolo. Aboubakar stepped up again and made it 2-1 for Cameroon.
Earlier in the second half, Traore went for goal for Burkina Faso from a free-kick. However, Onana had to react to divert the ball over the bar.
Cameroon had the ball in the net following a counter-attack with the ball going in off Aboubakar in the 59th minute but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Aboubakar looked to get his hat-trick but his effort was too powerful and the ball went over the bar.
A win means that Cameroon is now topping group A with three points from one game played so far while Burkina Faso remains pointless.
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