AFCON 2025: Karl Etta makes the difference between Lions and Panthers
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All original articlesWhat a time to score his first goal for the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. Karl Etta Eyong's lone first half goal was enough to see Cameroon take home all three points against Gabon.
Cameroon won (1-0) against Gabon this Wednesday evening for their entry into competition at the AFCON 2025 thanks to the first goal in selection for Karl Etta Eyong, symbol of the renewal of the attack of the Indomitable Lions. Cameroon gets boost before their group duel against Ivory Coast on Monday.
Cameroon strikes upon entry
It was the shock at the top of this first day in Group F. Cameroon and Gabon, who both remain disappointed in the 2026 World Cup playoffs, met in Agadir for their entry into the competition.
With a rejuvenated group and a new coach in the person of David Pagou, Cameroon fielded a relatively young team, notably in attack with Danny Namaso and Karl Etta Eyong who accompanied the technical leader of the Indomptables Lions, Bryan Mbeumo.
It is the latter, after six minutes of play, who will find the Levante striker on the edge of offside and behind the Gabonese defense for the goal. Etta Eyong thus scored his first goal for the national team and it is of paramount importance for Cameroon who took the lead early enough.
Aubameyang and Lemina, the luxury replacements
After half an hour of trouble, Thierry Mouyouma decided to make two strategic changes by bringing in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mario Lemina respectively for Teddy Averlant and Eric Bocoum that many did not see as starters in this first match of the Panthers. A decision that must have costed defeat for the Panthers.
The entries of the two heavyweights of the selection will offer a new breath to Gabon which has becomes more incisive and threatening. Alex Moucketou-Moussounda and André Poko are now highlighted with crosses in the area to find Aubameyang but the Cameroonian defense was present, despite cold sweats at each Gabonese offensive.
Cameroon suffers but remains indomitable
If the entries of Aubameyang and Lemina did not allow Gabon to equalize, they completely changed the face of the Panthers who repeatedly put the Cameroonian defense in difficulty.
Despite a few rare occasions including the header of Frank Magri, Cameroon underwent constant pressure from Gabon in the second period, but remained untamed. The Panthers who regained control of possession lacked finishing and logically lost (1-0).
Thierry Mouyouma can harbor regrets before the second day, while David Pagou succeeds in his first attempt at the head of Cameroon and can calmly prepare for the clash against Côte d'Ivoire on 29 December next.