Yusuf Abdulbasit Hozaifah reports,
The delayed Africa Cup of Nations finally commences today as the host nation, Cameroon kick off Group A in the opening fixture at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde. AFCON’s latest edition has twice been moved due to conditions of COVID-19, but it begins today after initial fears over clubs not releasing their players as a result of the pandemic.
Host nation Cameroon set the ball rolling at this year's Africa Cup of Nations with a clash versus Burkina Faso with a 2-1 comeback win. The teams will, however, be looking to get off to a fast start as Cameroon go in search of a sixth title, while Burkina Faso still seeks their maiden continental title.
Much will be expected of five-time winners Cameroon on home soil, with Toni Conceicao’s team bragging the likes of Vincent Aboubakar, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.
Vincent Aboubakar scored two penalties as Cameroon came from behind to beat Burkina Faso 2-1 in the opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations. Burkina Faso had taken a shock lead in the 24th minute through Gustavo Sangare. However, Aboubakar intruded with two calmly-taken spot-kicks.
Burkina Faso, who were without their coach Kamou Malo and six players who tested positive for COVID-19 in the build-up to the match, gave away two clumsy penalties after Gustavo Sangare had quieted the home crowd, estimated at around 45,000 fans at the newly-built Olembe Stadium, with the first goal of the game.
There were, in the second half, no goals, as the hosts got off to a winning start in front of their delighted supporters.
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