Cameroon kicked off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations journey with a gritty 1–0 victory against Gabon, overcoming off-field instability to secure all three points in their Group F opener. Despite recent changes in the technical crew, the Indomitable Lions showed composure when it mattered most.
The decisive moment arrived early in the match when Bryan Mbeumo controlled a long pass from defence and quickly set up Karl Etta Eyong, who finished powerfully to give Cameroon a lead they would not relinquish. Mbeumo remained the standout performer throughout the contest, troubling Gabon’s defence with his movement, creativity and shooting, and coming close to scoring himself on several occasions.
Gabon responded with energy, especially after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was introduced, but they were repeatedly denied by Cameroon’s defence and goalkeeper.
The narrow defeat was Gabon’s first opening-game loss at AFCON in over two decades, though their performance offered encouragement ahead of their next fixture. For Cameroon, attention now turns to a crucial clash with Ivory Coast, a match that could shape the group’s final standings.
