AFCON 2021: Hosts Cameroon come from behind to beat Burkina Faso in Africa Cup of Nations opener

Hosts Cameroon came from a goal down to register a much needed 2-1 win against Bukina Faso in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations opener held on Saturday, the 9th at Paul Biya Stadium in Yaounde.

The much anticipated tie was played at the Paul Biya Stadium in Yaounde before 50,000 spectators.

Hosts Cameroon recovered from an early setback against Burkina Faso, with two late first-half penalties from Vincent Aboubakar eventually seeing them start their campaign with all three points.

After a colourful opening ceremony featuring tribal-style shields emblazoned with national flags, the “Indomitable Lions” fell behind in their home tournament as Gustavo Sangare gave Burkina Faso the lead midway through the first half to silence the noisy home fans as the Cameroonian defence was punished for poor marking.

However, a physical Burkina Faso side only had themselves to blame when they gave away two penalties for clumsy tackles before halftime. Aboubakar converted both, to give Cameroon a lead they never relinquished in an entertaining game.

Cameroon are hosting the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time, 50 years after it was first held in the country, in 1972 when they finished third.