AFCON 2017 Qualifiers: Aboubakar Fires Cameroon to Victory Over Gambia
By BBC Sport Africa
Cameroon made it two wins from two in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after a hard-fought 1-0 away victory over Gambia on Sunday in Banjul.
The Indomitable Lions, favourites in Group M, were made to work for all three points by a well-organised Gambian side that frustrated them for long periods. However, a solitary strike from striker Vincent Aboubakar proved enough to secure the win and maintain Cameroon’s perfect start to the qualifying campaign.
Returning to the national side after a brief absence, Joël Matip partnered Nicolas Nkoulou in central defence, helping to anchor a solid Cameroonian back line. Up front, the attacking trio of Aboubakar, Benjamin Moukandjo, and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting looked lively but were repeatedly denied by the Scorpions’ defence.
Cameroon’s breakthrough came in the second half when Aboubakar, who plays his club football for FC Porto, capitalised on a lapse in Gambia’s back line to score the only goal of the match.
The result sees Cameroon top Group M with six points, following their opening-day win over Mauritania. With two victories and no goals conceded, the Lions are in a commanding position as they push for a place in the 2017 finals in Gabon.
Head coach Volker Finke praised his players’ determination, saying: “It was not an easy game. Gambia were disciplined and played with heart. But we remained patient and took our chance when it came. These are the kinds of matches that build strong teams.”
Gambia, still seeking their first points in the campaign, showed improvement but were left to rue their inability to find the net. They remain bottom of the group, with Mauritania and South Africa also in the mix.
Cameroon will next face South Africa, in what is expected to be a key fixture in the race for qualification.
