VAR Drama in Yaounde as Indomitable Lions Edge Stallions

Two Vincent Aboubakar penalties was all Cameroon needed to scale through tough and resilient 2017 Afcon Bronze medalist, Burkina Faso.

The much awaited TotalEnergies African cup of Nations is finally here. Cameroon, a traditional footballing  African side playing hosts to 23 other nations from across the continent. This was the first time the 5 time winners would be hosting the tournament 50 after the 1972 mundial was held on home soil. Despite covid situations and threats to cancel the tournaments, the continent of Africa put all that aside and kickstarted the competition on Sunday evening at the Yaonde Olembe Stadium.

The curtain raiser for AFCON 2022 was the stunning opening ceremony. Spectators filled the stadium to capacity to watch the rich African culture on display. Drums, face paintings, dancers and singers entertained the viewers to what later turned out to be the tip of the ice berg the stadium had for entertainment that evening.

After a rather frantic start from the visitors in which the indomitable lions of Cameron had the lions share of possession, the stallions silenced the fans when Gustavo Sangare volleyed home Bertrand Traore's perfectly weighted cross into an unguarded net halfway into the first half. Burkina Faso fans just then started to roar their players, to victory they all hoped.

Their joy was short-lived however. In the 40th minute, captain Bertrand Traore turned from hero to villain at the other end as he needlessly brought down Leeds United midfielder: Anguissa 5 minutes from the break.  Ever reliable skipper, Vincent Aboubakar slotted home calmly into the bottom right sending their opponent's goalkeeper,  Herve Koffi the wrong way.

And just when things couldn’t go any worse, a clumsy challenge from Dayo, a tournament debutant for the men in white left the centre referee with no option but to point to the spot 2 minutes into stoppage time. Penalty specialist and captain Aboubakar stepped up once again. Down left this time, and goal it was. The hosts nation would take the lead into the first half much to the relief of the already nervy fans.

The first penalty had been reviewed by the VAR and to the dismay of  2017 bronze medalists the call did not go in their favour.

Vincent Aboubakar would also feel hard done by the officials after his hat-trick goal was disallowed for marginal offside.

There were no changes to the score line after the break as the hosts held on restricting the stallions threatening their goal.

WHAT NEXT?

2017 winners and five time champions would be happy with the result. They remain unbeaten in 33 years at the capital. Despite a not too good performance which saw them enjoy the much of the possession, they did not offer much threat in the attacking third. A point from their next two matches should be enough to scale through.

Burkina Faso however, despite the loss will be proud of their performance having missed out of the 2019 edition. It just was not their day having given away 2 penalties late in the first half. The stallions will feel outdone by the officiating. Many late calls on fouls seemed to go in the favour of the hosts. Cameroon are the strongest side in the group and thus Burkina Faso should fancy their chances of scaling through to the knockout stages having put up an outstanding display.

Cameroon face Ethopia on the 13th the same day the other group A clash between Burkina Faso and Cape Verde, who both square up in a must win tie for the Stallions.

 photos edited from Twitter