Karl Etta Eyong needed just six minutes of his maiden Africa Cup of Nations appearance to write his name into Cameroon’s story, opening the scoring against Gabon and giving the Indomitable Lions the ideal platform for their 2025 campaign.
Handed a starting role for the group-stage encounter on 24 December, the 22-year-old striker showed no sign of nerves as he latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Bryan Mbeumo and steered it past the Gabon goalkeeper.
The assistant referee’s flag initially cut short the celebrations, but a brief VAR check overturned the decision and confirmed that Eyong had stayed onside, allowing the goal to stand and Cameroon to take a deserved early lead.
It was a moment of personal vindication for a forward still at the beginning of his international journey.
Having made only three senior appearances prior to the tournament, Eyong arrived in Morocco keen to justify the faith placed in him by the technical staff.
The decisive finish against Gabon, his first for the national team, underlined both his composure and his instinct in front of goal, qualities that have earned him increasing attention at club level.
Currently plying his trade with Levante UD, where he has been enjoying a productive spell in Spain, the young striker has steadily built a reputation as one of the most promising attacking prospects to emerge from Cameroon in recent years.
His inclusion in the AFCON squad was viewed by many as a nod towards the future, but his immediate impact suggested he is already ready to shoulder responsibility on the biggest continental stage.
Cameroon dominated the opening exchanges and the early breakthrough transformed the mood inside the stadium.
With the pressure eased, the Indomitable Lions were able to control the tempo, while Gabon were forced to rethink their approach after conceding so quickly.
Eyong remained at the heart of the action, stretching the defence with his movement and pressing from the front, a performance that belied his limited experience at this level.
The goal was not only a personal landmark but also a symbolic one for a team looking to reassert itself among Africa’s elite.
Cameroon arrived at the tournament determined to make a statement after mixed fortunes in recent competitions, and the sight of a new generation finding its feet offered a glimpse of a promising future.
As the match unfolded, the importance of Eyong’s contribution became increasingly clear.
In tight group contests, margins are often minimal, and an early strike can be the difference between confidence and anxiety.
By settling his side so early, the young forward provided a foundation on which the rest of the team could build.
For Eyong himself, the moment will live long in the memory.
Scoring your first international goal is always special; doing so in your first Africa Cup of Nations match elevates it to another level entirely.
It was a reminder that tournaments are often defined by breakout stories, and Cameroon may have just found theirs in the shape of a striker who announced his arrival when it mattered most.
