Troubled Cameroon Off To Winning Start At AFCON

Photo by Vincent Kimto/Gallo Images

Cameroon started their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 1-0 win over Gabon on Wednesday night.

2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Result: Cameroon 1-0 Gabon

Date: 24 December 2025

Venue: Stade Adrar

The Indomitable Lions’ preparations did not go smoothly as president Samuel Eto’o sacked coach Marc Brys earlier this month following the failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with David Pagou taking over while both Andre Onana and Vincent Aboubakar were not included in the final squad.

Gabon, meanwhile, were without the services of talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who started on the bench, however they were able to call upon LAFC striker Denis Bouanga, who scored eight goals in the World Cup qualifying campaign.

However, Cameroon got off the best possible start when Bryan Mbeumo collected a lose pass and turned provider to play in Karl Etta Eyong, who sent a low strike through legs of goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba after just six minutes.

Gabon nearly hit back on the 20-minute mark when Anthony Oyono latched on a defensive-splitting pass in the box before turning well and unleashing a strike that forced goalkeeper Devis Epassy into a good save. Bouanga also went close for his side with a powerful strike from distance that sailed inches wide of the upright.

However, Gabon coach Thierry Mouyouma was not happy with how his side were performing and responded with a double change on 32 minutes as Aubameyang and Mario Lemina replaced Eric Bocoum and Eric Bocoum, although while there was no immediate change in the overall play, the attack looked a lot more livelier.

The Panthers came out for the second period a lot more fired up as they went in search of the equaliser, with Bouanga leading the charge after going close with an effort from the edge of the box that sailed just over the crossbar.

While Cameroon lost a bit of steam as the second half went on, Gabon should have levelled matters in the 72nd minute when Royce Openda was slipped through on goal down the right side of the box, however the attacker failed to beat goalkeeper Devis Epassy in a one-on-one situation.

The Indomitable Lions were able to see out the closing stages of the second half and deny Gabon another clear-cut opening to secure maximum points in their opening encounter.

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