Wild celebrations erupted in the city of Garoua, home town of the Indomitable Lions’ captain Vincent Abubakar, following Cameroons 4-1 comeback win over Ethiopia on Thursday at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde.
Aboubakar and Karl Toko Ekambi scored twice each as hosts Cameroon become the first country to qualify to the second round of the Africa Cup of Nations with an emphatic win over Ethiopia in Group A.
Cameroon’s second-half masterclass saw them turned the screw on their opponent and advanced to six points after also winning their opening game against Burkina Faso.
Ethiopia made a good start as they caught Cameroon’s defence napping, with Amanuel Aregawi delivering a square ball into the area and Dawa Dukele getting in front of his marker to slot home the pass.
It was the second time already Cameroon have trailed in the tournament, but they needed only four minutes to equalise.
Collins Fai, who had proven slovenly in defence when Ethiopia scored their goal, made amends with a quality cross and Toko Ekambi took advantage of poor marking to head home in the eighth minute.
Ethiopia wilted after the start of the second half as Aboubakar scored twice in as many minutes.
He headed home Collins’ cross in the 53rd minute and slid home a similar square ball from Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu.
Toko Ekambi scored his second, and Cameroon’s fourth, in the 67th minute.
Cameroonians could not hold their joy as they went on to the streets of Garoua to celebrate the victory.
The celebration was more enjoyment as indigenes of Garoua celebrates the feat of Abubakar who is a native of area.
Abubakar is the highest goalscorer 2021 AFCON with four goals having netted four times in two matches.
The Athletic NG caught-up with the joyous Cameroonians who were celebrating in front of the Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua, one of the five centres hosting the AFCON in the country.
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