- Two goals in seven minutes from the Lyon striker, who has scored 5, confirmed the clear superiority of the ‘indomitable lions’ against debutant Gambia in the presence of president Samuel Eto’o
- Toni Conceiçao’s team has had an affordable path so far, but in the semifinals they will face the winner of Morocco and Egypt
Cameroon confirmed their status as favorites to win the Africa Cup. And not just for being the host. The ‘indomitable lions’ are living up to their nickname and, after imposing logic against debutant Gambia in Douala (0-2) with a double by Karl Toko Ekambi, they are already in the semi-finals. His next rival next Thursday will be the winner of the tie that will face Morocco and Egypt tomorrow.
With their legendary former striker Samuel Eo’o in the box as President of the Federation, Cameroon once again exhibited their attacking power that confirms them by far as the most successful team in the tournament with 11 goals in 5 games.
Aboubakar, 6 – Camp Toko, 5
All have marked them among their attackers. Until now Vincent Aboubakar, Pichichi with 6 goals, had monopolized all the prominence but today he did not see the door despite having three clear chances in the first half.
Against Gambia, Toko Ekambi, Lyon striker, picked up the witness, who decided with his double after the break and totals 5 goals.
Cameroon, far superior
The party had no color. Cameroon, led from the bench by the Portuguese Toni Conceiçao, dominated the game from the initial whistle and finished the first half with 70% possession.
However, that dominance did not translate into goals despite having several chances to open the scoring. Most were carried out by Aboubakar. The first, with a heel shot that a defender providentially took out. The second, at 32”, with a great header that narrowly missed the target. And the third, at 36′, with another header from the Al Nassr striker from Saudi Arabia that the goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye took off in a display of reflexes.
Do, otro incordio
Right-back Collins Fai was another nuisance to the Gambia defense with his forays down the flank. If in the first half his whiplash from outside the area went close to the top corner (29′), the Standard Liège player put in a perfect cross after the break so that Toko Ekmabi, winning the jump on his marker, crossed the ball to the net with an impeccable header (50′).
Fai made it 0-2 shortly after after receiving deep from André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, but his shot went slightly wide (54′). The resistance of a worthy Gambia came down defensively when Toko Ekambi pushed Martin Hongla’s death pass alone at the far post (57′).
Barrow, unnoticed
Two goals in seven minutes sealed the match. Cameroon lowered their pressure but did not allow Gambia to lavish a single shot throughout the match. André Onana became another spectator of the game as Musa Barrow (Bologna), the most dangerous opponent after surprising Guinea with his goal in the round of 16, had no chance this time.
Cameroon is already in the semi-finals after following an affordable path so far. After beating Burkina Faso, Cape Verde and Ethiopia in the first phase and debutants Comoros and Gambia in the round of 16, they will have their first big test in the semi-finals against Morocco or Mohamed Salah’s Egypt.
Match File
Gambia: Gaye; Sonko Sundberg (Ceesay, 85 ‘), James Gomez, Omar Colley, Pa Modou Jagne (Modou Barrow 56); Bobb, Touray, Marreh (Jobe, 81 ‘), Janko (Darboe, 56’); Badamosi (Ebrima Colley, 56 ‘) and Musa Barrow
Cameroon: Onana; Castelletto, Ngadeu-Ngadjui, Tolo; Fai (Mbaizo, 84 ‘), Hongla (Kunde Malong, 81’), Zambo Anguissa (Neyou, 87 ‘), Gouet, Ngamaleu (Bassogog, 88’); Toko Ekambi (Njie, 81 ‘) and Aboubakar
Goals: 0-1, Toko Ekambi (50′; 0-2, Toko Ekambi (57 ‘)
Author: P. Ndabihawenimana (Burundi) Amarillas Sonko Sundberg (21′), Pa Modou Jagne (33 ‘), Gaye (40’) and Ngadeu-Ngadjui (48 ‘)
Stadium: Japoma de Douala (Cameroon)