Cameroon thwart the Gambian trap and reach the semi-finals

Published on : 29/01/2022 – 12:05Modified : 29/01/2022 – 19:20

Unsurprisingly, but not without difficulty, Cameroon validated its ticket for the semi-finals of its CAN, by winning against Gambia (2-0). Toko-Ekambi found the fault twice, in the locked defense of Petit Poucet.

As expected in this unequal quarter-final between the host country and favorite, and Petit Poucet of CAN-2022, Cameroonians immediately take control of the match against Gambians who play very close together and lock their defence.

The Lions know that they will have to show patience and concentration to pass this Gambian curtain, but they lack precision, like Toko Ekambi, who causes a first thrill in the Japoma stadium in Douala (7th).

Festival d’Aboubakar

Vincent Aboubakar is omnipresent in this first period, with in particular a superb attempt by Madjer (15th), or a festival of dribbling in the area (23rd), but always finds a Gambian defender on his trajectory.

Cameroon rightly tries to go through the sides, but the crosses are not precise enough to hit the target. Fai Collins tries his luck from distance, but finds the outside of the small net (28th), Casteletto tries his hand at the return but still stumbles on a defender (34th).

After a first header that grazes the post (31st), Aboubakar again places a kick, alone in front of goal, but goalkeeper Gaye makes a superb handball save (36th).

Cameroon, largely dominating (11 shots in the first period), fell into the trap of Gambia, which completely locked the game. period), the Lions do not find the fault before returning to the locker room.

Toko Ekambi, deliverance

But while we were waiting for Aboubakar, the current top scorer in the competition, it was Toko Ekambi who broke the Gambian lock on the way back from the locker room, heading in a very good cross from Fai Collins (49th, 1-0 ). And it was him again, 7 minutes later, who made the break with an impeccable flat foot (57th, 2-0). He will logically be elected man of the match.

Scored a brace ⚽⚽

Guaranteed victory ✅

Congratulations to TotalEnergies Player of the Match Toko Ekambi ????#TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #CAN2021 | #TeamCameroon | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/AP5G5y7qBU

— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 ???? – FR (@caf_online_FR) January 29, 2022

It is therefore difficult to see how victory can escape the Indomitable Lions, who continue to lay siege to the Gambian surface, not letting the Scorpions get out of their camp.

Despite attempts by Toko Ekambi (62nd), Aboubakar (73rd), Ngadeu (75th), Njie (87th), the Lions relax a bit and the score remains there. Only downside for the Indomitable Lions, the outings on injury of Fai and Ngamaleu.

Cameroon is therefore logically qualified for the semi-finals, for the 10th time in its history at the CAN. This time, she can congratulate herself on not having conceded goals for the first time in the competition. The host country will find in half Egypt or Morocco, which clash Sunday.

>> To see, the interview with Roger Milla, legend of African football: “The CAN is our World Cup”

Relive the meeting on our liveblog.