Cameroon qualified for the last 16 of the 2021 African Cup of Nations by crucifying Ethiopia. Vincent Aboubakar and Karl Toko-Ekambi have raised their level to win this confrontation. On the other hand, Nouhou Tolo had a difficult afternoon.
The Tops
Vincent Aboubakar: Bis repetita! The captain of the Indomitable Lions has again emerged to give victory to his people as in the first day against Burkina Faso. On his stalls, Vincent Aboubakar has sucked the central hinge of Ethiopia to allow his strikers including Toko-Ekambi to take advantage of space. Efficiency. This is what can define the performance of the captain of the host country. 100% successful passes (13/13). 3 shots attempted, 2 goals scored. He lost a ball (37th) following a corner and caused a counter-attack by the Ethiopians.
But thanks to his impressive speed, he sacrificed himself to annihilate a real opportunity to score. In the second half, the jokes were over. In the second half, Choupo-Moting's low cross was met by Captain Vincent, who popped up in front of the Ethiopian goalkeeper, but to no avail. It was only a matter of time before the game was over. The Cameroonian right-back then got in on the act and laid the ball off to Aboubakar, who gave his side the lead. The Cameroonian right-back then took advantage of Ngamaleu's unselfishness to score his second brace in just two games.
Karl Toko-Ekambi: Another Lion was indomitable in this festival at the Stade d'Olembe. Karl Toko-Ekambi activated the competition mode with his legs on fire. The OL winger was quick, explosive and provocative, taking advantage of the space left by the Ethiopian defense to put himself in the spotlight. He then went on to score a second goal in the eighth minute with a well-executed header to punish Ethiopian goalkeeper Shanko's poor judgement. It was a matter of headers, and the number 12 did it again this time from a corner, but unfortunately he hit the post (39th). Toko-Ekambi also scored twice in the 68th minute when he beat three Ethiopian defenders to score the last goal of the match.
Collins Fai: If there are any who score doubles, Collins Fai chose to score his on assists. A real poison on the right side of the pitch with his ultra-attacking style, the piston made life miserable for his Ethiopian counterpart. He had a hand in the first Ethiopian goal, but was caught out by Dawa Hotessa (4th). He made amends a few minutes later when he delivered a sweet pass to Toko-Ekambi (8th) for the Indomitable Lions' equalizer. The same goes for the second goal where he showed his qualities as a crosser by finding Vincent Aboubakar in the right conditions (53rd).
The Flops
Ramadan Yesuf: He suffered. That's an understatement. The Ethiopians' left-back often gave up his weapons to allow the Cameroonians to do what they wanted on his side of the field.
Suleman Hamid: Yes, the fullbacks did not enjoy themselves. Like his teammate on the opposite side, he spent the whole match chasing Toko-Ekambi. He pledged his allegiance to the double scorer of the match.
Nouhou Tolo: Same observation. Caught off guard, badly out of position in one-on-one situations, lack of concentration, he completely missed his game, even though Cameroon won by a wide margin. Amanuel Gebremikael made life miserable for Tolo. From the start of the match, he already provided the decisive pass for the opening goal (4th). His team-mates understood this so well that the whole match was played on the poor Tolo. The Cameroon coach took advantage of the score to rest him (79th) by bringing in Oyongo.
