HOSTS Cameroon became the first team at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations to qualify for the round of 16 on Thursday.
The Indomitable Lions came from behind to thrash Ethiopia 4-1 and book their spot in the knockout rounds with a game to spare.
Vincent Aboubakar and Karl Toko Ekambi each netted a brace as Cameroon scored multiple goals for the second straight game.
Interestingly, they are the only team in the tournament to have scored more than once in a match, after 13 games.
Dawa Hotessa gave Ethiopia a shock lead just four minutes in, temporarily silencing the crowd in Yaounde.
Their advantage was shortlived though as Lyon striker Ekambi pulled Cameroon level just four minutes later.
Ethiopia continued to push for more goals and came close again, but it was the hosts who scored the game’s third goal.
It was 1-1 at half-time but Cameroon exploded into life after the break.
Vincent Aboubakar, who scored twice in the tournament’s opening match against Burkina Faso on Sunday, struck twice in two minutes to effectively bury Ethiopia.
The Al Nassr striker scored in the 53rd and 55th minutes as Ethiopia crumbled.
Ekambi completed his own brace in the 67th minute, leaving Ethiopia on the verge of elimination from the tournament.
Cameroon now have six points from two games, while Ethiopia are with no points after two defeats, the first one against Cape Verde.
