CAN 2024: Cameroon neutralized by a valiant Guinea

Quickly surprised by the national Syli, Monday, January 15 in Yamoussoukro, Cameroon had to fight to avoid an entry hiccup in this African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. The Indomitable Lions finally conceded a draw (1-1) against the Guineans reduced to 10, in group C.

After the clear success of Senegal against Gambia (3-0), Cameroon, the other favorite of group C, was expected to make its debut in CAN 2024. Third in the last edition at home and second country on most successful with five coronations behind Egypt (seven titles), the Indomitable Lions experienced a complicated first meeting against Guinea.

In a Charles-Konan-Banny stadium with stands bustling with supporters of both teams, it was the national Syli who was the first to come out on top. At the entrance to the penalty area, Olivier Kemen, pressed by the opponent, has lost the leather. The ball reached Mohamed Bayo, whose crossshot deceived Joseph Fabrice Ondoa (10th). Author of a parade a few seconds earlier, the goalkeeper established in place of the usual holder André Onana – who arrived too late in the Cameroonian group from Manchester – had to bow this time.

Guinea, who entered this meeting well and is fond of fast play, however, became disillusioned during added time in the first act. François Kamano was guilty of a big sole on Franck Magri, and the referee, the Libyan Ibrahim Mutaz, transformed his yellow card into a red card after reviewing the action (45+2nd).

Magri revives the Indomitable Lions, Koné saves the national Syli

Forced to play 10 against 11 throughout the second half after the expulsion of François Kamano for a nasty sole, the Guineans were quickly caught up in the score. On a good cross from Georges-Kévin N'koudou at the far post, Franck Magri dominated Sekou Sylla in the air and deceived Ibrahim Koné with a diving header (51st). Enough to give a little momentum to the Indomitable Lions deprived of their scorer and captain, Vincent Aboubakar, injured a few days ago and whose fate has many supporters in suspense.

With this goal arriving early in the second half and their numerical superiority, Rigobert Song's men had the wind in their sails. Not enough, however, to completely reverse the course of the meeting. Cameroon monopolized the ball well and evolved in the Guinean camp, but between technical errors and lack of precision, it missed too many things to take the three points. A beautiful save from Koné on a strike from Karl Toko Ekambi saved the national Syli in the final minutes.

This zero result does not help the Indomitable Lions, who have an appointment on January 19 with a Senegal in form and confidence. Guinea, given the appearance of this first match, can be satisfied with this point taken and can legitimately dream of the round of 16 before taking on Gambia.