Cameroon sealed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Gabon in their opening group F encounter at the 2025 African Cup of Nations on Wednesday, SportPremi Reports.
The Indomitable Lions needed the perfect response to Ivory Coast, who had beaten Mozambique earlier and got the maximum points thanks to Etta-Eyong’s early goal.
Cameroon fought hard to close out a 1-0 as they began their campaign on a great note
First half: Etta-Eyong’s early strike gives Cameroon lead
The Cameroonian national team was clouded in controversy in the buildup to the tournament, but the players seem to be unbothered as they made a quick start in Agadir.
Bryan Mbeumo played Etta Eyong, who slotted in behind the Gabon goalkeeper, although it was ruled out for offside by the assistant referee.
However, the Video Assistant Referee intervened and the goal was finally awarded after a quick check.
Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma was not satisfied with his side’s showing and responded with a double substitution in the first half, bringing on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mario Lemina.
Both sides traded attempts to add to the scoreline, but it remained 1-0 in favour of the Indomitable Lions heading into the break.
Second half: No goal as Cameroon hold on to one-gol advantage
Cameroon were dealt a huge blow at the start of the second half as midfielder Carlos Baleba who struggled towards the end of the first half could not continue and was substituted at halftime.
Mbeumo then went close for the Indomitable Lions as his weak effort was comfortably saved.
Bouanga had a chance to equalize, but the striker lost his footing at a crucial point and the chance was lost, before Openda tested Epassy who was equal to the task.
Magri, who hd come on earlier, almost added a second, but his header from Mbeumo’s corner came back off the crossbar.
The game ended in a 1-0 scoreline with no goals scored in a very tense second period.
Players Ratings
Cameroon Players Ratings:
- Epassy – 8.2/10
- Malone – 6.9/10
- Kotto – 8.1/10
- Tolo – 7.5/10
- Tchamadeu – 6.9/10
- Avom – 6.6/10
- Baleba – 6.6/10
- Namaso – 5.5/10
- Yongwa – 6.8/10
- Mbeumo – 8.5/10
- Etta-Eyong – 7.3/10
Substitutes
- Onana – 6.8/10
- Ebimbe – 6.0/10
- Magri – 6.0/10
- Nyamsi – N/A
Gabon Players Ratings:
- Mbaba – 6.5/10
- Ekomie – 6.6/10
- Moucketou-Moussounda – 6.9/10
- Manga – 7.3/10
- Oyono – 6.8/10
- Averlant – 6.0/10
- Poko – 6.9/10
- Ndong – 7.9/10
- Owaga – 7.2/10
- Bouanga – 5.6/10
- Bocoum – 6.5/10
Substitutes
- Lemina – 6.4/10
- Aubameyanng – 6.1/10
- Loufilou – 6.6/10
- Allevinah – 6.4/10
- Babicka – N/A
Man of the match
Bryan Mbeumo (8.5/10) – The Cameroon forward enjoyed an impressive outing and provided the assist for the only goal of the game. Mbeumo also created the most chances in the game with six and was unlucky not to find the back of the net himself.
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Cameroon 43% – 57% Gabon
Total Shots: Cameroon 13 – 12 Gabon
Shots on target: Cameroon 3 – 2 Gabon
Pass Accuracy: Cameroon 73% – 83% Gabon
Corners: Cameroon 9 – 5 Gabon
What Next?
Cameroon face their toughest group test when they clash with defending champions Ivory Coast in their second group match on Sunday.
Gabon, on the other hand, face Mozambique as they hope to get their first win of the tournament.
