Karl Etta Eyong’s early goal secured a 1-0 victory for Cameroon over Gabon in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group F opener in Agadir, Afrosport reports.
The Indomitable Lions started strong, with Bryan Mbeumo assisting Etta Eyong, who finished through goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba’s legs after a VAR check confirmed the goal was onside.
Gabon coach Thierry Mouyouma made a bold move in the 33rd minute, bringing on Mario Lemina and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to boost the attack. Their best chance however came from Royce Openda, whose shot was saved by Devis Epassy.
Substitute Frank Magri almost doubled Cameroon’s lead shortly afterwards, heading Manchester United forward Mbeumo’s corner against the crossbar via a deflection off defender Jacques Ekomie.
Gabon’s status as Group F underdogs was not obvious, and though they suffered their first loss in an AFCON opener since 2000, they will have some encouragement to take into matchday two, when they go up against Mozambique in a must-win clash.
FULL-TIME! 🇨🇲🇬🇦
A close contest ends with a 1-0 win for Cameroon. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | @tecnomobile pic.twitter.com/3On964uF1O
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 24, 2025
As for Cameroon, their second match – against reigning AFCON champions the Ivory Coast – could well prove pivotal in the race to top the group, with the five-time champions aiming to progress past the group stage for only the second time in the last four editions.
