Cameroon captain Vincent Aboubakar starred as the Indomitable Lions claimed a 2-1 win over brave Comoros in the knockout phase of the Africa Cup of Nations played at Paul Biya Stadium in Yaounde on Monday night.
READ ALSO: Just In: FG Suspends Planned Petrol Subsidy Removal
The skipper teed-up Karl Toko Ekambi for the first goal before getting on the scoresheet himself later on. Youssouf M’Changama’s goal-of-the-tournament contender set up a nervous finale but the hosts held on to advance.
The Islanders had to start with left-back Chaker Alhadhur in goal owing to the unavailability of their three recognised custodians. Ali Ahamada and Moyadh Ousseni were unavailable due to Covid-19 rules.
It was bad news for The Coelacanths who had also lost Salim Ben Boina to a shoulder injury.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Two Killed As Terrorists Attack Ondo Community
Despite playing the hosts who were enjoying the support of thousands of fans who had flocked the stadium, it was Comoros who started quite well, with Benjaloud Youssouf testing Andre Onana in the Indomitable Lions goal after a foul committed by Nicolas Ngamaleu in a promising position.
The Comoros faithful’s hopes of seeing their team defy the odds and eliminate the tournament favourites were thwarted in the sixth minute when their team were reduced to 10 men.
A reckless challenge by Nadjim Abdou on Ngamaleu was spotted by referee Tessema Bamlak who, upon consultation with VAR, had no option but to give him his marching orders.
Having a numerical advantage and with the support of the home fans, Cameroon were oozing with confidence and came close twice in the early exchanges, but current top scorer Aboubakar and forward Toko Ekambi – who had arguably a better chance after racing clear, failed to trouble the make-shift keeper.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: NIGERIA 0-1 TUNISIA- Super Eagles Knocked Out Of AFCON As Iwobi Sees Red
However, the duo combined for an opening goal for the hosts in the 30th minute. Ngamaleu, who was playing in an advanced role, managed to pick Aboubakar in the danger zone.
Aboubakar had a second-half effort disallowed for offside before making it 2-0 with 20 minutes left, finishing excellently after being picked out by Martin Hongla.
Yet there was no collapse from the Comoros, who pulled one back courtesy of M’Changama’s piledriver from 35 metres and go out with their heads held high.
©ControlTV2022.
