Five-time champions Cameroon lived up to their billing Tuesday in Bouake with a never-say-die display to advance to the round of 16 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Indomitable Lions had looked down and out of contention in their Group C match day 3 fixture, especially after one draw from two earlier games and trailing 1-2.
But they still mustered enough from their reservoir to score two late goals to beat The Gambia 3-2 and advance as group runners-up to book a date with old rivals Nigeria.
They did take the lead in this game in the 56th minute through Karl-Toko Ekambi to look sure for third place and possible qualification as one of the best losers.
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But goals from Ablie Jallow (72nd minute) and Ebrima Colley (85th minute) turned the game round for the Gambia lead.
However, an unfortunate streak of events soon swung the situation back in Cameroon’s favour as James Gomez pushed the ball into his side’s net two minutes later.
With Cameroon now buoyed by the own goal which drew them level, the Indomitable Lions surged forward.
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They were rewarded with the winning goal in the first minute of added time by Christopher Wooh for a 3-2 ending.
Cameroon thus moved into second place behind group winners Senegal who beat Guinea 2-0 in the group’s other match.
They displaced Guinea on goals scored after both sides had ended with four points each from three matches, and the same goals difference.
The Indomitable Lions will now meet Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Saturday in a round of 16 match at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.
Final Group C Standings
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Senegal 3 3 0 0 8 1 +7 9
Cameroon 3 1 1 1 5 6 -1 4
Guinea 3 1 1 1 2 3 -1 4
The Gambia 3 0 0 3 2 7 -5 0
(NAN)
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