The Indomitable lions go down to Gabon
LUBANGO - Hull City striker Daniel Cousin was the hero as Gabon caused the biggest upset so far in a shock-filled Africa Cup of Nations by defeating Cameroon 1-0 on Wednesday in the first Group D clash.
African Nations Cup
Cameroon 0 Gabon 1
LUBANGO - Hull City striker Daniel Cousin was the hero as Gabon caused the biggest upset so far in a shock-filled Africa Cup of Nations by defeating Cameroon 1-0 on Wednesday in the first Group D clash.
Cousin scored early in the first half and the Gabonese survived numerous goalmouth scares to record only their second victory in four appearances at the biennial continental showcase.
Cameroon, four-time champions and twice runners-up, entered the game as hot favourites to secure maximum points having comfortably beaten Gabon twice in qualifers for the Angola tournament.
Song makes history
Veteran Cameroon central defender Rigobert Song created history when the match kicked off by becoming the first footballer to play in eight Nations Cup tournaments.
The 33-year-old from Turkish club Trabzonspor overtook current Egypt captain Ahmed Hassan and two retired stars, compatriot Hossam Hassan and Ivorian Alain Gouamene.
Cameroon started by taking the game to Gabon and Achille Emana was unlucky after eight minutes when his shot was pushed on to the post and away for a corner by goalkeeper Didier Ovono.
Gabon’s shock lead
But the game took a twist on 17 minutes when the Indomitable Lions failed to clear a cross and Cousin darted through to push the ball wide of goalkeeper Iddriss Kameni and give Gabon a shock lead.
Going in front boosted the confidence of outsiders Gabon and they retained the advantage until half-time with reasonable comfort as Cameroon star Samuel Eto’o failed to make his expected impact.
Geremi Njitap did worry Ovono with a free kick and Eto’o finally came to life just before the break with a dribble past several defenders, but the ball was eventually cleared.
Cameroon 0 Gabon 1
LUBANGO - Hull City striker Daniel Cousin was the hero as Gabon caused the biggest upset so far in a shock-filled Africa Cup of Nations by defeating Cameroon 1-0 on Wednesday in the first Group D clash.
Cousin scored early in the first half and the Gabonese survived numerous goalmouth scares to record only their second victory in four appearances at the biennial continental showcase.
Cameroon, four-time champions and twice runners-up, entered the game as hot favourites to secure maximum points having comfortably beaten Gabon twice in qualifers for the Angola tournament.
Song makes history
Veteran Cameroon central defender Rigobert Song created history when the match kicked off by becoming the first footballer to play in eight Nations Cup tournaments.
The 33-year-old from Turkish club Trabzonspor overtook current Egypt captain Ahmed Hassan and two retired stars, compatriot Hossam Hassan and Ivorian Alain Gouamene.
Cameroon started by taking the game to Gabon and Achille Emana was unlucky after eight minutes when his shot was pushed on to the post and away for a corner by goalkeeper Didier Ovono.
Gabon’s shock lead
But the game took a twist on 17 minutes when the Indomitable Lions failed to clear a cross and Cousin darted through to push the ball wide of goalkeeper Iddriss Kameni and give Gabon a shock lead.
Going in front boosted the confidence of outsiders Gabon and they retained the advantage until half-time with reasonable comfort as Cameroon star Samuel Eto’o failed to make his expected impact.
Geremi Njitap did worry Ovono with a free kick and Eto’o finally came to life just before the break with a dribble past several defenders, but the ball was eventually cleared.