AFCON: Etta Eyong’s first Cameroon goal secures win over Gabon

Karl Etta Eyong’s early strike boosted Cameroon to a strong start at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a 1-0 victory over Gabon in Group F.

🎥 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇨🇲 1-0 🇬🇦

Cameroon win their first #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 match against Gabon. pic.twitter.com/t2qGVzVAm8

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 25, 2025

The Indomitable Lions shook off pre-tournament controversy with a victory against their neighbors at the Stade Adrar in Agadir, Morocco to settle the nerves of their supporters.

A hot start made the difference for Cameroon. Poor play by the opposition defense in their own half resulted in an opportunity in the 6th minute, with Bryan Mbeumo setting up Etta Eyong to smash between the legs of Panthers goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba. After being initially ruled offsides, a VAR review confirmed the match winner for the Levante forward.

From then on, the match was a fierce battle with opportunities for both teams. Cameroon held the edge by halftime as the opposition failed to produce a shot on target to challenge Indomitable Lions keeper Devis Mpassy.

Notably, after being an injury doubt, Panthers forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang came on alongside fellow star Mario Lemina shortly after the half hour mark in an attempt to inspire a comeback. The Panthers attack benefited, with Aubamyeang turning and firing over just past the 60th minute before Denis Bouanga lost his footing on an opportunity shortly after.

Despite the increased effort from the Panthers, the five-time African champions held on for the victory to join Ivory Coast in the win column after the Elephants won earlier on Wednesday against Mozambique.

The Indomitable Lions will look to make it two wins from two matches in Group F when they face Ivory Coast on Sunday while Gabon will attempt to move into contention when they face Mozambique on the same day.

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