Cameroon salvage 1-1 draw against 10-man Guinea
Franck Mario Magri of Cameroon celebrates goal during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations match between Cameroon and Guinea at Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, Cote dlvoire on 15 January 2024 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
Frank Magri scored a vital goal to secure a draw for Cameroon in their first match of the Africa Cup of Nations against 10-man Guinea.
Guinea shocked the former champions Cameroon 10 minutes in as they capitalised on some woeful defending from Olivier Kemen.
The Indomitable Lions Cameroon failed to clear the danger after a shot was saved and Kemen buckled under the pressure as he knocked the ball towards Mohamed Bayo who fired in the opener.
Things got tough for Guinea later in the half, however, as Francois Kamano was sent off for a nasty challenge. Cameroon managed to capitalise on their numerical advantage five minutes into the second half as Georges-Kevin N’Koudou’s excellent cross found Frank Magri at the back post and the attacker headed in with his team’s first effort on target.
Although Cameroon kept the ball in Guinea’s half for the rest of the game, they could not find a way through until the 88th minute when Karl Toko Ekambi had a shot saved.
Cameroon are set for a big challenge next as they take on reigning champions Senegal, who won their first game earlier in the day, on January 19. The same day, Guinea will face Gambia in their second match.
Goal
