AFCON 2025: Renewed hope for Cameroon after Gabon win

In the streets of Yaoundé, the evening of December 24 was not only a moment of celebration after the success of Cameroon (1-0) against Gabon, on the occasion of the first day of the AFCON 2025. The feat especially marked a collective relief. In front of the improvised screens of the neighborhood bars, the final whistle pulled cautious smiles.

«We don’t just shout victory, we finally breathe»'',

 confides Vincent, a mototaximan in Nkolbisson, still amazed by the conquering face shown by a team that is supposed to be fragile. For him, this minimalist success has especially dissipated the fear of a forecasted shipwreck.

The doubts were however deep before the match. Change of coach at the last minute, absent executives, rejuvenated squad: the cocktail worried. 

"Honestly, I expected to see the Lions suffer, or even lose this match," 

admits Mireille, a student at the University of Soa, who has followed the national team since childhood. 

« Without Onana, without Aboubakar, I was thinking that it would be very complicated. But these young people played without complex. This victory is a strong signal that the Lions, even without some experienced players can roar," 

she says.

A strong message
Etta Eyong’s goal in the 6th minute acted as an emotional trigger. At the place called Rue Ceper in Yaoundé, Boris, a pizza delivery person, speaks about having interrupted his activities to follow the match in a fan zone.

 “When the referee validated the goal after VAR intervention, I felt that something was changing. It’s not the big Cameroon, but it’s a brave Cameroon," 

he says. Same feelings as Samuel’s, taxi driver: 

"It’s just an entry match into the competition, but we saw a team that is fighting. That, it makes you want to believe in it.

On television sets and social media, the discourse is also evolving. Some temper the euphoria while emphasizing the signal sent: 

"Technically, everything was not perfect, but mentally, this group responded present. For such a reshuffled team, it’s a strong message,"

 argues one sports analyst. "Cameroon didn’t impress, but they reassured. And in an AFCON, it is sometimes more important.

Take nothing away, this first victory has reinstated an expectation. "We’re not talking about trophies yet, but we’re talking about a match to win," sums up Éric, a fan in Ngousso. A nuance revealing a new mindset: less certainty, more faith. In Cameroon, hope is not yet a cry, but it begins to circulate again, slowly, like a persistent rumor around the Indomitable Lions.