A lightning start from the Indomitable Lions
Cameroon wasted no time making their mark. In just the 6th minute, Karl Etta Eyong found the back of the net following a sublime combination with Bryan Mbeumo. The Levante striker slotted his effort through goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba's legs, scoring Cameroon's first-ever goal against Gabon in AFCON history.
The goal, initially flagged offside by the assistant referee, was awarded after a lengthy VAR review, sparking jubilation among the Cameroonian supporters at the Stade Adrar in Agadir.
Cameroon's tactical approach
David Pagou, promoted to head coach amid institutional turmoil, deployed a flexible 4-3-3 system with Bryan Mbeumo as the creative spearhead. The Lions immediately imposed high pressure, looking to unsettle Gabon's defense through quick transitions.
Carlos Baleba, Brighton's midfield enforcer, was imperious during the first half, controlling the tempo and cutting out opposition passing lanes. His half-time substitution due to injury proved a turning point, forcing Cameroon to adopt a more defensive approach.
Aubameyang introduced but not enough
Facing his team's lack of attacking threat, Gabon coach Thierry Mouyouma played his trump card in the 33rd minute: bringing on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, despite the striker being rated doubtful with a thigh injury.
The Panthers captain injected new life into the attack, but neither he nor Denis Bouanga could beat Devis Epassy. The Cameroonian goalkeeper notably produced a vital save from Anthony Oyono's effort in the final quarter-hour.
Gabon dominated possession in the second half (54%), creating several chances, but were met by a disciplined and resolute Cameroonian defensive block.
A historic breakthrough
This victory carries special significance: Cameroon had never beaten Gabon at the Africa Cup of Nations in two previous meetings:
- 2010: Lost 0-1 (Cousin's goal)
- 2017: Drew 0-0
Ironically, despite Gabon's historical dominance in direct AFCON encounters, Cameroon progressed from the group stage on both occasions, even winning the title in 2017.
Post-match reactions
Bryan Mbeumo, named Man of the Match, expressed his satisfaction: "I'm very happy. The team played a good game. We were solid and we're pleased with the victory. We knew Gabon would be a difficult opponent. Everyone defended well and worked hard for each other, and that produced a good result."
The Manchester United midfielder also addressed the upcoming clash against Côte d'Ivoire: "Against Côte d'Ivoire we will have to be ready because we know they are a very strong team. We stayed focused and very solid."
David Pagou, Cameroon's head coach, acknowledged the challenges: "It was hard work, not easy. We came here to take the three points. We got the job done. That's the most important thing. We played in a very flexible system, both defensively and offensively. It still needs to be refined, but the players delivered."
He added: "It's a young group and we keep working. We accept the mistakes that were made, but we have a big margin for improvement. We won this match mentally."
On the Gabonese side, assistant coach Cédric Moubamba pointed to the poor start: "We didn't have a good start to the match, which made things difficult for us. We conceded a goal from a clearance and a poor defensive alignment."
What's next?
Cameroon join Côte d'Ivoire, defending champions and 1-0 winners over Mozambique, at the top of Group F with 3 points. The two nations will face off on Sunday in Marrakech in a crucial top-of-the-table clash.
Gabon must respond against Mozambique on the same day in Agadir to keep their knockout stage hopes alive.
Match facts
Cameroon 1-0 Gabon
Goal: Eyong (6', assist Mbeumo)
Venue: Stade Adrar, Agadir (Morocco)
Man of the Match: Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon)
Cameroon: Epassy – Tchamadeu, Malone, Kotto, Tolo – Baleba (Onana, 46'), Avom (Nyamsi, 90'), Yongwa – Namaso (Dina Ebimbe, 67'), Mbeumo (c) – Eyong (Magri, 67')
Gabon: Mbaba – Oyono, Ecuele Manga, Moucketou (Babicka, 82'), Ekomié – Ndong, Bagnama – Bouanga, Poko, Openda – Averlant (Aubameyang, 33'), Bocoum (Lemina, 33')