CAN 2015 – Group D: Mali and Cameroon Share the Spoils (1–1)
The long-awaited return of Cameroon to the Africa Cup of Nations after a two-edition absence ended in a 1-1 draw against a solid Mali side. The match, played in Malabo, capped off a day of equilibrium in Group D, where Ivory Coast and Guinea also finished with the same scoreline.
🟨 Match Highlights:
74′ – Goal Mali (1–0): Sambou Yatabaré gave Mali the lead after capitalizing on a deflected pass from Wagué. Alone on the right side of the box, he calmly beat Ondoa with a cross-shot.
84′ – Goal Cameroon (1–1): Ambroise Oyongo leveled the score after a well-timed through ball from Raoul Loé. The New York Red Bulls defender struck with precision using his left foot.
90+2′ – Disallowed Goal: Mali thought they’d stolen the win when Yatabaré scored again, but the flag was rightly up for offside.
🎙 Match Summary:
It was a closely contested encounter, with Mali looking more dangerous overall. However, Cameroon showed composure and mental resilience to salvage a point. The match wasn’t especially thrilling, but both sides had their moments.
“Mali was more enterprising, but Cameroon held firm and managed a late comeback,” observed many analysts.
🧮 Group D Standings After Matchday 1:
Ivory Coast 1–1 Guinea
Mali 1–1 Cameroon
All four teams are on 1 point, with identical goal differences, making Group D completely balanced ahead of Matchday 2.
