AFCON 2025
Photo credit : Getty images
By Chima Azu
The 33rd edition of AFCON started with host Cameroon coming from behind to defeat Burkina Faso 2:1 with two goals from former Porto striker Vincent Aboubakar.
Burkina Faso drew first blood to shock the home fans after Sangare tapped in a cross in the 24th minute which left goalkeeper Onana in no man’s land. The away side grew in confidence after getting the goal and created some goal scoring chances.
Cameroon came back into the game in the first half and won a penalty after Traore fouled Napoli midfielder Zambo Anguissa in the box. Aboubakar stepped up to convert the spot kick to bring the scoreline level.
Aboubakar gave Cameroon gave the home side the lead right at the end of the first half by scoring from the spot once again after another reckless foul in the penalty box by Burkina Faso, Aboubakar took his second spot kick well by sending the keeper the wrong way once again.
The away side pushed for an equaliser with Traore hitting a well taken free-kick but Onana was well positioned to make a save. Aboubakar felt he had scored a hattrick when he tapped in from close range after a counter from his side, but it was later ruled out for offside by VAR.
Cameroon held on to the lead till the end and started the competition with their first three points of this year’s AFCON. The host will be playing against Ethiopia next on Thursday, Ethiopia lost their first game against Cape Verde.
