Karl Etta Eyong’s early goal gives Cameroon a 1-0 win over Gabon in Africa Cup of Nations Group F, moving them level with Ivory Coast.
KARL Etta Eyong scored after six minutes to give Cameroon a 1-0 victory over Gabon in a tense Africa Cup of Nations clash.
The Spain-based striker’s goal earned the five-time champions three points in Agadir on Wednesday.
It brought Cameroon level in Group F with title-holders Ivory Coast, who edged Mozambique 1-0 earlier.
This marked Cameroon’s first AFCON win over central African neighbours Gabon after a 2010 loss and a 2017 draw.
The match featured teams seeking solace after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
It also marked the debut of new Cameroon coach David Pagou after Marc Brys was axed.
Pagou had surprisingly dropped goalkeeper Andre Onana and veteran striker Vincent Aboubakar from his squad.
Manchester United striker Bryan Mbeumo initially replaced Aboubakar as captain before a change was announced.
Defender Nouhou Tolo ultimately led the Indomitable Lions against Gabon as one of three shared captains.
Etta Eyong’s goal from a superb Mbeumo pass was delayed by a lengthy VAR review for offside.
Star Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, reportedly ruled out with a knock, came on after 33 minutes.
Despite Aubameyang and Denis Bouanga in attack, Cameroon looked likelier to score throughout.
