50 Years After: Happy Ending For Lions At AFCON Opener

It is exactly 50 years ago when Jean-Baptiste N’Doga and co won the AFCON opener against Kenya (2-1), on February 23, 1972, at the Omnisports Stadium in yaounde. Different generation, same result against Burkina this evening at a fully packed Olembe Stadium.

As heavy as the roar of their fine – anthem sounded, it was clear that the Stallions of Burkina Faso were in for a walk in the desert.

Captain Vincent Aboubakar scored twice in quick succession, to cancel out Gustavo Sangare’s goal.

A first sniff at goal in the earlier stages came from the right flank, where Fai Collins was fouled. The resulting free – kick from Moumi Ngamaleu was checked by the Stallions.

The already charged up fans had further reasons to cheer. It was the manner in which Vincent Aboubakar twisted between Steve Yago and Patrick Malo, that got the fans up on their seat.

11 minutes in, a turnover in possession from Burkina Faso meant a surging pass from Fai, on the right, met Toko Ekambi. The Olympique Lyonnais defender couldn’t keep his cool to bury, with goalkeeper Koukou Koffi, out from goal.

The Indomitable Lions went a goal down 25 minutes in. It all started with a razor sharp corner from the left. Issoufou Dayo headed towards the far post but Tolo cleared. In the same action, Gustavo Sangare tapped in from from a cross that came from his skipper, Bertrand Traore.

With just 5 minutes to the pose, referee Mustapha Ghorbal and his team made a big call. VAR correspondents – Zourak and Zakaria, called on the referee to have a second look at an incident that changed the game’s complexion. Bertrand Traore was adjudged by Mustapha Ghorbal to have brought down Zambo Anguissa, whilst defending a corner kick. Aboubakar stepped to send Koffi the wrong way (1-1).

With 3 minutes of added on time, sheer carelessness gifted the Lions the lead. Tolo on one of his surging runs was tripped in the area by Dayo Issoufou, for the second time. This time though, a lot more visible on the naked eye. Captain Vincent Aboubakar stepped up to complete his first half brace.

2013 beaten finalists, Burkina Faso, started the second half like a house on fire and needed Andre Onana, atop his game.

Vincent Aboubakar thought he had his hat – trick when he speared a counter, dished the ball out to Ngamaleu, who drew a smart stop from Koffi. A lucky ricochet fell on the knees of Vincent, and went in, but the goal was denied by the assistant on the far side.

Conceiçao tried to tweak his formation, introducing Njie Clinton and Choupo Moting, in places of Toko and Kunde.

Burkina Faso replied with the introduction of Mohamed Konate and Zakaria Sanogo.

Cameroon continued pressing so hard, and it was near – paying off with attempts from Fai and Anguissa.

Vincent Aboubakar was not going to get his hat – trick on the opening day. He was replaced by Yvan Neyou, deep into the second half.

The Stallions had one last try from a corner but it was neatly defended by the Lions’ defense.

Cameroon temporarily hold top in group A, but await to know further, after Cape Verde takes on Ethiopia later this evening.