Cameroon began their Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Gabon at the Grand Stade d’Agadir, edging a tight contest between two Central African rivals.
The Indomitable Lions arrived as five-time African champions and tournament regulars, while Gabon continue their push to challenge Africa’s elite. Before kick-off, Cameroon had never scored against Gabon at AFCON across two previous meetings. That statistic changed inside six minutes.
A loose defensive header dropped kindly for Bryan Mbeumo, who slipped the ball through to Karl Etta Eyong. The forward kept his composure and finished between the goalkeeper’s legs from close range. The flag initially went up for offside, but the decision was overturned and the goal stood.
Cameroon continued to press, with Ryan Tchamadeu finding Noni Madueke Namaso in space, only for the forward to fire wide. Gabon reacted before the break with a surprise double substitution, introducing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mario Lemina to spark their attack.
At halftime, Cameroon made an enforced change as Carlos Baleba was replaced by Andre Onana. The Lions missed a golden chance early in the second half when Mbeumo threaded a perfect pass into Tchamadeu, who blasted over from inside the box.
The game gathered pace, with both sides trading promising moments. Aubameyang saw an effort blocked, while Loïs Openda was denied at the near post by Devis Epassy. Cameroon nearly sealed the win late on when Frank Magri’s header struck the post from a corner.
Gabon pushed hard in the closing stages, sending numbers forward in search of an equaliser, but the Cameroonian defence held firm to secure three opening-day points.
Cameroon face Mozambique next on December 31, while Gabon prepare to take on Côte d’Ivoire.
