Cameroon, a five-time champion, demonstrated their resilience on Tuesday in Bouake, securing a spot in the round of 16 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with an impressive comeback. Despite a slow start and being down 1-2 in their Group C match on match day 3, the Indomitable Lions showed determination and scored two late goals to defeat The Gambia 3-2. This victory propelled them to advance as group runners-up, setting up a highly anticipated encounter with old rivals Nigeria.
Cameroon initially took the lead in the 56th minute of the game through Karl-Toko Ekambi, seemingly securing third place and a potential qualification as one of the best losers. However, The Gambia turned the tide with goals from Ablie Jallow in the 72nd minute and Ebrima Colley in the 85th minute, taking the lead.
Nevertheless, a stroke of misfortune soon favored Cameroon as James Gomez inadvertently scored an own goal two minutes later, leveling the score. Buoyed by this, the Indomitable Lions pushed forward and secured the winning goal in the first minute of added time, courtesy of Christopher Wooh, resulting in a 3-2 victory.
This victory propelled Cameroon to second place in the group standings, trailing behind group winners Senegal, who defeated Guinea 2-0 in the group’s other match. Cameroon secured their place based on goals scored, displacing Guinea, as both teams ended with four points each from three matches and the same goal difference.
Cameroon will now face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in a round of 16 match on Saturday at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.
