AFCON: Elephants Topple Cameroon to Win Group

Oumar Diakite of Cote dIvoire celebrates goal during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers match between Chad and Ivory Coast at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon 10 September 2024 ©Achille Tsanga/BackpagePix

Substitute Bazoumana Toure scored in stoppage time for the Ivory Coast, who came from two goals down to beat Gabon 3-2 in Marrakesh on Wednesday and top Group F at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Cameroon also fell behind, against Mozambique in Agadir, but a thunderbolt from Christian Kofane delivered a 2-1 victory.

Defending champions Ivory Coast and Cameroon finished level on seven points, and both had a plus-two goal difference. The Ivorians topped the table after scoring five goals, while Cameroon scored four.

Advertisement

The results completed the last 16 line-up. Ivory Coast will face Burkina Faso, Cameroon will meet South Africa, and Mozambique will face Nigeria.

In central city Marrakesh, Gabon rocked Ivory Coast by building a two-goal lead midway through the first half, before the title-holders cut the deficit just before the break to trail 2-1. Ivory Coast fell further behind on 21 minutes when Los Angeles-based Denis Bouanga claimed his first goal of the tournament.

Ivorian Jean-Philippe Krasso netted in the 44th minute after being set up by Wilfried Zaha, the former Crystal Palace winger recalled for the AFCON after missing the triumphant 2024 campaign.

                                                                    AFCON: Elephants Topple Cameroon to Win Group

Manchester United winger Diallo was introduced on 76 minutes, replacing Oumar Diakité, who was walking a disciplinary tightrope having been yellow-carded. However, it was another substitute, Evann Guessand, who equalised with six minutes of regular time left. The Aston Villa striker was a late inclusion in the squad when injured Sebastien Haller withdrew.

In the southern coastal city of Agadir, Cameroon legends Roger Milla and Samuel Eto’o were among the crowd that saw Mozambique take a surprise lead on 23 minutes. The lead lasted five minutes before five-time champions Cameroon levelled when Feliciano ‘Nene’ Jone conceded an own goal.

Cameroon had the ball in the net again ten minutes later, but the scorer, Germany-based 19-year-old Christian Kofane, was ruled offside.

The teen made up for his disappointment by putting the Indomitable Lions ahead on 55 minutes with a fierce shot from outside the box that flew into the net off the underside of the crossbar.

Author

  • Tope Oke

    Temitope is a storyteller driven by a passion for the intricate world of geopolitics, the raw beauty of wildlife, and the dynamic spirit of sports. As both a writer and editor, he excels at crafting insightful and impactful narratives that not only inform but also inspire and advocate for positive change. Through his work, he aims to shed light on complex issues, celebrate diverse perspectives, and encourage readers to engage with the world around them in a more meaningful way.

Share the Story
Advertisement