Aboubakar named man of the match as the Indomitable Lions defeats Bukina Faso 2-1
Cameroon captain Vincent Aboubakar scored two penalties in the opening match of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, as the hosts recovered from one goal down to defeat Burkina Faso 2-1.
Burkina Faso took the lead with a clinical strike from Gustavo Sangare midway through the first half, despite missing five players due to the coronavirus.
The 25-year-old volleyed home Bertrand Traoré’s cross from the right to notch up his first international goal on his eighth appearance.
Cameroon President Paul Biya and his compatriots in the Olembé stadium were stunned into silence. And their heroes were unable to muster any palpable response to their misfortune.
However, the Indomitable Lions came back with a bang with two penalty goals.
Aboubakar took the penalty kick and buried it low to the left of Burkina Faso goalie Herve Koffi.
In stoppage time, Issoufou Dayo’s challenge on Nouhou Tolo was mistimed, resulting in another penalty.
Aboubakar scored his 27th international goal with his second spot-kick to Koffi’s right.
