CAN 2025: Cameroon emerges victorious in top clash against Gabon | OneFootball

Karl Etta Eyong

The showdown between Cameroon and Gabon has concluded. The Indomitable Lions snatched victory thanks to the only goal of the match, scored by Karl Toko Ekambi.

In this high-stakes encounter, the Indomitable Lions asserted their dominance from the opening minutes in Gabon's penalty area. Just six minutes in, Karl Toko Ekambi opened the scoring for Cameroon. After a burst down the left flank by Denis Bouanga, the Cameroonian defense quickly reorganized. Bryan Mbeumo spotted Toko Ekambi's run and played a clever ball behind the defense.

Initially, the goal was ruled out for offside, but after a VAR review, referee Amin Mohamed Omar reversed his decision and awarded the goal. With the lead secured, the Lions continued to pile the pressure on Gabon, even forcing Thierry Mouyouma to rethink his tactics.

Gabon’s coach made a substitution, bringing on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang—who was initially expected to miss the match. Despite these tactical tweaks, Gabon's efforts came to nothing. The final minutes were tense, but the scoreline remained unchanged (1-0).

With this, the group stage’s opening round of matches in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco comes to a close.