Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions dug deep to overcome a stubborn Gabon side. They edged a 1–0 victory in their opening Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 fixture. This happened in Rabat on Wednesday evening. An early strike from Karl Etta Eyong in the sixth minute proved decisive. It gave Cameroon just enough to see off the threat and get their AFCON 2025 tournament off to a winning start.

Here’s how the contest unfolded in the AFCON 2025.

The Indomitable Lions got off to a dream start inside the opening 10 minutes. Brian Mbuemo was instrumental in the move, setting up Karl Etta Eyong, who fired a right-footed shot into the net.

Although the goal was initially ruled out, a VAR review overturned the decision. This handed Cameroon the deserved lead as they began the AFCON 2025 journey.

Cameroon continued to look sharp in possession, with Danny Namaso and Bryan Mbuemo combining well in attack. Gabon struggled to apply sustained pressure, prompting an early tactical change as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang came on for Teddy Averlant.

The game opened up toward the end of the first half, with chances at both ends. Samuel Kotto came close for Cameroon with a header that skimmed the crossbar. Meanwhile, Gabon's Mario Lemina also failed to hit the target. 

At the break, Cameroon led 1-0 in their AFCON 2025 opener.

The Panthers increased their tempo in search of an equaliser in the second half. However, clear chances became scarce during the AFCON 2025 matchup.

Cameroon nearly doubled their lead in the 57th minute. Junior Tchamedeu exploited the space down the right channel. After a superb first touch, the Stoke City defender found himself in a promising position. He blazed his effort over the bar.

The game became end to end, with both sides taking turns. They sent waves of attack into each other’s boxes in this AFCON 2025 spectacle.

In the 76th minute, Cameroon should have made it two. Toulouse forward Frank Magri attempted a bullet header from a sublime Mbeumo freekick. He forced the keeper to tip it wide.

In the 87th minute, Gabon won a freekick in a good area. It should have given them a chance to equalise. However, Danny Bouanga blazed his effort over the bar, much to the disappointment of his teammates.

In the end, Cameroon had enough to see off some late pressure from Gabon in their AFCON 2025 opener. Cameroon are now joint top of the group alongside Ivory Coast in the AFCON 2025 race.