Cameroon book AFCON knockout stage spot with thrilling win over Gambia

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon have secured their place in the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Gambia.

The first half of the match ended without any goals, but Cameroon opened the scoring in the 56th minute. Georges-Kevin N’Koudou delivered an impressive lofted cross into the box, and Karl Toko Ekambi headed the ball inside the right post.

Gambia equalized in the 72nd minute when Ablie Jallow connected with a well-placed cross and fired a low shot into the bottom right corner.

Gambia took the lead with a second goal five minutes before the end of the game. Assan Ceesay passed the ball to Ebrima Colley, who calmly scored inside the left post.

However, Cameroon made a comeback, equalizing two minutes later. James Gomez’s attempt to clear a cross resulted in an own goal.

In the first minute of added time, Cameroon secured the victory with a third goal. Georges-Kevin N’Koudou’s corner kick found the head of Christopher Wooh, whose precise effort from near the penalty spot went into the left side of the goal.

Cameroon finished second in Group C, with Senegal leading the group after defeating Guinea 2-0 in the second match.

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The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon will now face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the last-16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

That match will take place on Saturday, January 27, 2024.