Cameroon opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Agadir with a hard-fought triumph, secured by Karl Etta Eyong’s early contribution.
Cameroon opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Agadir with a hard-fought triumph, secured by Karl Etta Eyong’s early contribution.
The five-time continental winners pressed with urgency, pushing forward at speed and disrupting Gabon’s rhythm from the outset. Their approach proved effective when Bryan Mbeumo controlled a long delivery from Samuel Kotto and slipped a precise through pass into Eyong’s run, the Levante attacker finishing first-time between goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba’s legs.
A brief Video Assistant Referee consultation confirmed the goal’s validity, rubber-stamping Cameroon’s flying start to proceedings.
Gabon boss Thierry Mouyouma made a bold call before the interval, reacting to his team’s stalling influence by reshaping the frontline. Teddy Averlant and Eric Bocoum made way in the 33rd minute for Mario Lemina and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the latter unexpectedly cleared to feature despite a thigh problem.
The shift aided Gabon’s attacking intent, with Royce Openda forcing Devis Epassy into a smart stop from a tight angle after an incisive ball by Andre Poko.
Aubameyang, now appearing at a fifth edition of this competition, nearly capitalised on a flicked-on corner, while Denis Bouanga saw an effort blocked following an earlier miss.
David Pagou, recently installed as coach after Belgian Marc Brys’ dismissal, watched his new-look side deliver a composed display in spite of a turbulent pre-tournament build-up.
Key figures Andre Onana and Vincent Aboubakar were absent from the squad, while Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa missed out with an injury, yet Cameroon appeared rejuvenated after failing to reach the 2026 World Cup.
Mbeumo impressed creatively on his AFCON debut, Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba controlled the centre of the pitch before departing at the interval, and substitute Frank Magri struck the crossbar from a corner via a defender.
Gabon defended deep in phases, with Mbaba blocking a curling strike from Mbeumo and Bouanga misfiring from a late dead-ball effort as Cameroon protected their lead.
This victory completes the first round of fixtures in Morocco, with no encounter yet ending scoreless.
Gabon remains in Agadir for their next test against Mozambique on Sunday, who previously fell 1-0 to holders Ivory Coast.
Later the same day, Cameroon head to Marrakech to challenge the Elephants in a pivotal evening contest.
