Host nation Cameroon clawed from a goal down to beat Burkina Faso 2 – 1 in an all action packed opening game at the African Cup of Nations.
Vincent Aboubakar expertly converted two penalties to earn the indomitable lions victory following Gustova Sangares opener on 24 minutes.
Burkina Faso started the game on a front foot making their statement of intent clear right from the blast of the whistle.
Aston Villa forward Betrand Traore was in the thick affairs – drifting wide to put through an inch perfect cross which was timely met by Gustova Sangares to register the first goal of the tournament for The Stallions
However the lead was shortlived when Betrand Traore in a clumsy challenge fell Anguisa and upon the intervention of VAR , the referee pointed the spot. Vincent Aboubakar made no mistake sending the goalkeeper to the wrong direction to draw Cameroon level.
The Al Nasr striker scored again from the spot kick on the stroke of full time to give The host Nation the lead heading into the recess
Second half started with same intensity as as The Burkinabes pressed for the needed equaliser but to no avail
Vincent Aboubakar couldn’t get his hat trick as VAR ruled his 3rd goal for offside.
Meanwhile Cape Verde defeated Ethiopia by a lone goal in the second game in the group.
Burkina Faso will be looking to bounce back in their subsequent game against Ethiopia on matchday two whiles Cameroon also take on Cape Verde.