AFCON 2021: Cameroon defeats Burkina Faso 2-1 in opening match

The Indomitable Lion of Cameroon on Sunday defeated Burkina Faso 2-1 in the opening game of Group A at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Yaounde.

Burkina Faso took the lead in the 24th minute through Gustavo Sangare in the match at the Olembe Stadium; the captain of Cameroonian national team, Aboubakar, scored the equalizing goal five minutes in the 40th minute through penalty.

The captain also scored the second goal through another penalty before the end of the first half, which turned out to be the winning goal of the match.

The tournament is hosted by Cameroon.

President Paul Biya, 88, of Cameroon was at the stadium to watch the Group A opening match between the host country. and Burkina Faso; the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino; and President of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, were also there.

Cameroon now tops Group A with three points and will play Ethiopia and Cape Verde in their next matches.

Burkina Faso suffered a setback less than 24 hours to the opening game.  The coach, Kamou Malo, and some key players were detected to have tested positive for coronavirus. The Assistant Coach, Firmin Sanou, had to take over the team.