AFCON2021: Aboubakar inspires Cameroon to victory on opening day

The Host of the 33rd edition of African Cup Of Nation (AFCON) tournament Cameroon kicks-off with a win after coming from a goal down to defeat Burkina Faso by two goals to one in the Olympic Stadium Courtesy Vincent Aboubakar brace.

The match kicked-off in an exciting mood with Cameroon getting an early chance after Vincent Aboubakar made his way through two defenders of Burkina Faso at the edge of the penalty box but his shot went wide.

It was an open play with both side equally possessing the ball.

Surprisingly, it was the Stallions of Burkina Faso who drew the first blood in the 24th minute, after Andre Onana failed to deal with a cross from Bertrand Traore which was stunningly planted at the back of the net by Gustavo Sangare.

The Stallion became more confident on the ball after the goal and were creating some decent chances but couldn’t make good use of them.

In the 37th minute, the captain of the Stallions brought down Andre Zambo in the 18-yard box which was initially waved away. But after a VAR check, the referee whistled for a penalty and was coolly converted by the captain of the side Vincent Aboubakar, for the equalizer.

In the 47th minute into the first half, Doya Issoufou made a slide tackle in the 18-yard box which the referee whistled for another penalty for the Indomitable Lions and Vincent Aboubakar once again placed it at the back of the net to make it 2-1 in favour of Cameroon before the first-half whistle.

In the second half, both teams came up strongly and more tactically. In the 59th minute, Aboubakar thought he has gotten a hat trick but his goal was ruled out for an offside.

It was more of pressing from the Burkina Faso, while Cameroon was catching them on counter attack.

It was an exciting opening game in the AFCON and the host has made a statement by winning by two goals to win against a strong side Burkina Faso.

Source:africaneditors.com/Raymond Karvi