Cameroon’s national team has qualified for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations semifinals after a 2-0 win over Gambia in the quarter-finals at the Japoma Stadium, Saturday (29/1).
In the 13th minute, striker Vincent Aboubakar’s cross by Nicolas Ngamaleu was blocked by a Gambia defender. The ball just floated over the crossbar of goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye.
Defender Nouhou Tolo did not want to be left behind in creating chances for Cameroon. Tolo opened fire in the 26th minute, but was caught by Gaye.
Wingback Collins Fai also poses a threat to Gambia. This time Fai fired a long-range shot that was still thin on the left side of the Gambia goal in the 29th minute.
Aboubakar again makes Gambia nervous. Aboubakar’s header in the 31st minute returned thinly wide on the right side of the opponent’s goal.
The best chance for Aboubakar and Cameroon to score came in the 36th minute. Finding a cross from the right, Aboubakar headed the ball home, but the effort still went to the keeper and was blocked by Gaye.
Cameroon’s new superior efforts paid off in the 51st minute. Striker Karl Toko Ekambi finds the net with a header after receiving the assist of Collins Fai’s cross from the right.
Fai got a through ball in the 53rd minute. However, during a one-on-one duel with Gaye, Fai’s kick was still sideways on the left side.
The Indomitable Lions won 2-0 in the 57th minute. Martin Hongla’s cross from the right was not wasted by Ekambi, who moved from behind to meet the bait with a flick of the right foot.
Cameroon appeared dominant during the Gambia match. Cameroon has plenty of opportunities apart from Karl Toko Ekambi. For example from Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu and Hongla. Unfortunately the second opportunity to increase the advantage can still be secured goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye.
On the other hand, Gambia, who struggled to penetrate the Cameroon defense, were forced to make long-range speculations including Ebrima Colley’s shot which was thwarted by goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Cameroon had several goal chances, but didn’t change the score either. With no additional goals in the remaining matches, Cameroon won 2-0 over Gambia and qualified for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations semifinals.
Cameroon will face the winner of the other quarter-final match between Egypt and Morocco. The match between Egypt and Morocco will only take place a day later.
The winner of the match will try out the games of Karl Toko Ekambi, Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu, Hongla et al.
