Comoros, who had an outfield player in goal and their captain sent off early on – put up a brave fight as hosts Cameroon survive late scare to reach AFCON quarter-finals
Cameroon are through to the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations following a 2-1 victory over Comoros who put in a spirited display despite several setbacks.
Comoros played the game with an outfield player in goal and had captain Jimmy Abdou sent off early on.
Cameroon took a 2-0 lead through goals by Karl Toko Ekambi and Vincent Aboubakar though stand-in keeper Chaker Alhadhur made a number of saves including a stunning double save.
Youssouf M’Changama scored a stunning free-kick from 30 yards to make it 2-1 and despite a commendable performance, the AFCON debutants were sent crashing out of the tournament.
Hosts Cameroon made heavy work of beating 10-man Comoros Islands 2-1 on Monday January 24, 2022 to advance to the African Cup of Nations quarter-finals at the expense of a team who had everything stacked against them in the last 16.
Karl Toko Ekambi and Vincent Aboubakar scored the home team’s goals at the Olembe Stadium to eliminate the debutants, who were forced to use a full back in goal and had their captain sent off after six minutes.
But Comoros still put up a gallant fight and, despite the considerable disadvantage, pulled a goal back from Youssouf M’Changama with nine minutes remaining to depart the tournament with their reputations considerably enhanced.
Cameroon meet upstarts Gambia in the last eight in Douala on Saturday 29, 2022 after they upset Guinea 1-0 in Bafoussam earlier on Monday. (Writing by Mark Gleeson; Editing by Christian Radnedge)