Cameroon survive Gambia scare to reach AFCON knockout round

A frenetic AFCON match between Cameroon and Gambia, came right down to the wire on Tuesday, with the Indomitable Lions clinching a dramatic 3-2 victory to advance to the knockout stages.

Cameroon took the lead in the 56th minute courtesy of a Karl Toko Ekambi header. However, Gambia refused to concede defeat, equalising through Ablie Jallow in the 72nd minute before taking the lead in the 85th minute via substitute Ebrima Colley.

The match erupted with more late drama as Gambia’s James Gomez scored an own goal in the 87th minute to draw Cameroon level. The Lions then went ahead once again just two minutes later as Christopher Wooh rose highest to head home the eventual winner from a corner.

Gambia thought they had snatched an equaliser in stoppage time but Muhammed Sanneh’s deliberate handball ended their chances. The topsy-turvy contest exemplified the passion and determination on display at this year’s AFCON. While Cameroon lived to fight another day, Gambia exited the tournament with their heads held high after posing plenty of problems.

Cameroon manager Rigobert Song will be relieved but knows his side must improve defensively in the knock-out phase.