Izuchukwu OkosiHosts Cameroon began their quest for a sixth Africa Cup of Nations triumph on a winning note with captain Vincent Aboubakar converting two spot kicks as the Indomitable Lions came from behind to beat a resilient Burkina Faso 2-1 in the opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations in Yaounde on Sunday.
Burkina Faso, who were without their coach Kamou Malo and six players who tested positive for Covid-19, gave away two clumsy penalties after Gustavo Sangare had silenced the home crowd, estimated at around 45,000 fans at the newly-built Olembe Stadium, with the first goal of the game and of the tournament.
Sangare finished with his left foot at the back post in the 24th minute to hand the Burkinabe a surprise lead in the Group A encounter but then their captain Bertrand Traore and defender Issoufou Dayo gave away penalties in quick succession.
Aboubakar, who was part of Cameroon’s winning team at the 2017 Afcon in neighbouring Gabon, tucked away both kicks with aplomb.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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