CAMEROON pulled off a dramatic, last-gasp 3-2 victory in Bouake, Cote d’Ivoire tonight against The Gambia to reach the round of 16 of the AFCON 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where they will face their eternal rivals the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
The Indomitable Lions were 2-1 down and on their way out of the tournament when they struck twice late to snatch the victory they desperately needed.
Remarkably, all the five goals were scored in a dramatic second half, with Cameroon taking the lead in the 56th minute through Karl Toko Ekambi.
The Gambia responded strongly, throwing everything at Cameroon and getting a deserved leveller from Ablie Jallow’s smart finish in the 72nd minute.
Substitute Ebrima Colley then put the underdogs in front five minutes from regulation time as they also looked to reach the round of 16.
At that point, five-time champions Cameroon were heading out and minnows The Gambia advancing to the round of 16 for a second straight AFCON.
But Cameroon turned it around swiftly and salvaged their campaign.
The Gambia’s James Gomez turned a low cross into his own net two minutes later to equalise for Cameroon, and Christopher Wooh headed in the winner for the Indomitable Lions in the first minute of stoppage time.
A desperate Muhammed Sanneh then did the Diego Maradona ‘Hand of God’ in an attempt to pull The Gambia level in added time, but a VAR review led to the goal being cancelled and the full-back cautioned.
In the other Group C clash in Yamoussoukro, champions Senegal defeated Guinea 2-0 to end the group stage as the only team with a 100 percent record of three wins out of three.
Abdoulaye Seck and substitute Iliman Ndiaye scored in the second half for the Teranga Lions as Guinea finished third, behind Cameroon on goals scored.
Nigeria and Cameroon will renew their age-long rivalry on Saturday in Abidjan while Senegal’s round of 16 opponents are yet to be confirmed.
