Lions Trump Ethiopia To Make Knockout Stage

By Ngome Michael

Host Cameroon has broken the goal drought witnessed in first the round of the African Cup of Nations by beating Ethiopia 4-1 in Yaoundé.

The visitors plunged the host into confusion four minutes into the encounter with Dawa Hottesa scoring the fastest goal so far.

Olympic Lyounaise man, Karl Toko Ekambi leveled from a well precised left side Fai Collins cross. Both players will record brace on goals and assists.

Cameroon gained steam encroaching deep into the Ethiopian half but failed to grab the lead. Amanuel Gebremichael saw his left footed shot go wide.

Ngamaleu combined perfectly with Toko Ekambi through a another cross but, the resulting header stroke the left post.

Ethiopia came close before the break with Surafel Dangachew and Abubeker attempts on goal saved.

Conciecao team talks paid off instantly with top scorer Vincent Aboubakar showing absolute master class from Fai and Ngamaleu’s 53rd and 55th minute assists finding the back of the net by the skipper.

James Léa Siliki replaced Choupo-Moting as Cameroon maintained full control of the game with Ekambi seeking to quench his thirst, tested the Ethiopian goalkeeper but was only succeeded at the 67th minute.

A comfortable 4-1 lead takes the host 6poinst up group A with goal superiority ahead of Cape Verde Burkina Faso. It is the first time in the competition.

Conciecao and his men now look set to qualify as group head with a game left and are confident to go pass the knockout stages after harvesting goals from open play.