AFCON 2021: Cameroon edge Gambia to storm semis

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon are through to the semi final stage at the on-going TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2021.

Cameroon stopped Gambia 2-0 in a quarter final match played this evening at the Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon.

After a goalless first half, the 5-time AFCON winners Cameroon returned charged and determined to get the goals.

The tournament’s leading scorer Vincent Aboubakar and Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu had their shots blocked for Cameroon, while Gambia’s James Gomez also had his attempts stopped in the first half.

But it was Karl Toko Ekambi who netted a brace early in the second half to make sure the Indomitable Lions roar into the semi final stage.

Ekambi made it 1-0 after 50 minutes with a well timed header. The Gambian defenders failed to react quickly to stop Ngran Suiru Fai Collins from crossing the ball for Ekambi to score.

The Gambian technical bench replaced star player Modou Barrow with Pa Modou Jagne after 55 minutes, but the Indomitable Lions instead pushed forward and made it 2-0 after 57 minutes.

Ekambi again gave the Gambian goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye no chance.

Cameroon continued to dominate play in the midfield and on the wings causing problems for the Gambian team.

“I am satisfied with my players who respected the instructions to go and win the match despite the missed opportunities in the first period. In addition to the victory, it was our match where the attack-defense balance was the most respected,” Conceicao said after the game.

“I am very happy with our production against a great team from Gambia. In truth, she did not change her strategy, she beat her success in this way and tonight we insisted on our game.”

“Regarding the semi-finals, what worries me the most is to see my players to recover, it was a physically demanding match. We will rest and analyze our next opponent and put the strategy in place. I’m really happy with my players,” he added.

Cameroon team will now wait to face the winner between Egypt and Morocco at the semi final stage.

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon remain in line chasing for a sixth AFCON title.