AFCON 2023: Indomitable Lions Wasteful against Guinea, Need God’s Intervention against Senegal

With this disappointing draw, Cameroon’s next encounter at the AFCON will come up against defending champions Senegal who made light work of the Gambia

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, January 17, 2024 – The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon missed the chance to pick a first victory in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON after the Syli National of Guinea held the five-time champion to a 1-1 draw on Monday. Cameroon’s blushes were wiped off by Toulouse player Franck Magri with the Indomitable Lions taking advantage of their numerical advantage.

Cameroon was without two of their big names at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro - injured captain and striker Vincent Aboubakar and goalkeeper Andre Onana who only arrived on the day of the game. The Manchester United stopper delayed his arrival at the competition to play for the Red Devils against Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday.

“This match should have normally been won by Cameroon. Usually, Cameroon's first matches are always drawn or lost, but at least they have shown us that they are ready for the tournament," one Indomitable Lions fan said.

Others were, however, very disappointed with the performance of the team and they said it would not be easy for Cameroon to pick a win against Senegal. “Song (Cameroon coach) does not have any formation. The way we played today, we should expect a defeat from Senegal. If we joke, we will carry a disgrace from Senegal.”

“A small Guinea like that Cameroon cannot win,” another fan cries out. “I was very shocked that Cameroon cannot win a small Guinea.”

Guinea had earlier gone ahead inside 10 minutes through Mohamed Bayo, who slotted low beyond Fabrice Ondoa at the second attempt after fierce pressing to force a costly error from Olivier Kemen.

Guinea's hard work looked to have been undone on the stroke of half-time, when Francois Kamano - wearing the captain's armband with usual skipper Naby Keita only on the bench - saw his yellow card for treading on the back of Magri upgraded to red after the referee consulted the pitchside monitor.

The draw leaves both sides with work to do to qualify for the knockout stages with defending champions Senegal sitting top of Group C after their victory over The Gambia earlier on Monday. Lamine Camara scored a stunning brace as Senegal began their defence of the Africa Cup of Nations title with a 3-0 win.

Cameroon’s 1-1 draw against Guinea is also another surprise outcome at the tournament in Ivory Coast after Ghana was upset by Cape Verde on Sunday 2-1 while Egypt and Nigeria were held by Mozambique and Equatorial Guinea to a draw respectively and Namibia picked up an upset against Tunisia.