Host Country Cameroon Came From Behind To Beat Burkina Faso 2:1 In Opening Game Of AFCON -By Yusuf Abdulbasit Hozaifah

The delayed Africa Cup of Nations finally commences today as the hosts kick off Group A in the opening fixture at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde.

AFCON’s latest edition has twice been moved due to condition and Covid-19 reasons, but goes ahead this month after initial fears over clubs not releasing their players as a result of the pandemic.

Host nation Cameroon set the ball rolling at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations with a clash versus Burkina Faso at the Paul Biya Stadium on Sunday.

The teams will be looking to get off to a fast start as Cameroon go in search of a sixth title, while Burkina Faso still seeks their maiden continental title.

Much will be expected of five-time winners Cameroon on home soil, with Toni Conceicao’s team bragging the likes of Vincent Aboubakar, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.

Vincent Aboubakar scored two penalties as hosts Cameroon came from behind to beat Burkina Faso 2-1 in the opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations. Burkina Faso had taken a shock lead in the 24th minute through Gustavo Sangare. However, Aboubakar intruded with two calmly-taken spot-kicks.

Burkina Faso, who were without their coach Kamou Malo and six players who tested positive for COVID-19 in the build-up to the match, gave away two clumsy penalties after Gustavo Sangare had quieted the home crowd, estimated at around 45,000 fans at the newly-built Olembe Stadium, with the first goal of the game.

There were no goals in the second-half, as the hosts got off to a winning start in front of their delighted supporters.