AFCON 2O21: Captain Aboubakar strikes twice as Cameroon beat Burkina in opener

The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon got off to a great start for the hosts as the Indomitable Lions, inspired by captain Vincent Aboubakar, earned a 2-1 come from behind win against Burkina Faso in Yaounde on Sunday.

The Cameroonians were stunned at the Paul Biya Stadium midway through the first half as Burkina took the lead thanks to an acrobatic volley by Gustavo Sangare after goalkeeper André Onana’s howler.

But the Indomitable Lions fought back, benefiting from the first VAR decision at this year’s competition as they were awarded a penalty.

Aboubakar converted expertly to draw Cameroon level before giving them the lead with another penalty in the closing stages of the first half.

After the restart, Onana kept out an ambitious long-range free-kick from Traore and then denied Cyrille Bayala from close range.

Aboubakar was unlucky in the second half as a tight VAR offside call denied him a hat-trick.

Meanwhile, Zambo Anguissa fired narrowly wide as the Indomitable Lions looked to put the game to bed.

Cameroon are in action again on Thursday, against Ethiopia while Burkina Faso will hope to bounce back against Cape Verde.