Hosts Cameroon end Comoros’ fairytale run to reach Afcon quarterfinals

Hosts Cameroon advanced to the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-1 victory over Comoros at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde.

Comoros played the majority of the game with 10 men after Nadjim Abdou was sent off in the 7th minute for a foul – and had Chaker Alhadhur – a defender – in goal for the entire match after two of their goalkeepers tested positive to Covid-19 and another ruled out with injury.

The Island nation, playing in their first-ever Afcon, reached the knockout stage after beating Ghana 3-2 and finishing third in Group C.

Karl Toko Ekambi put Cameroon ahead in the 27th minute before captain Vincent Aboubakar doubled their advantage in the 70th – his sixth goal of the tournament so far, creating history in the process.

Comoros reduced the deficit through a sublime freekick from Youssouf M’Changama with ten minutes to go, but couldn’t find the all-important equaliser they sought.

The Indomitable Lions now will face Gambia for a place in the semifinals. Gambia had beaten Gabon 1-0 in an earlier match to progress to the last eight.