The Cameroon national team defeated Gabon (1:0) in the first round of the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Cameroon team did not surprise with their starting lineup, fielding their main representatives from top leagues. The starting eleven included Mbemo (Manchester United), Baleba (Brighton), and Etta Eyong (Levante). The Gabonese, meanwhile, could only boast of Lemina and Aubameyang, but they were left on the bench – only to be unexpectedly brought on in the 33rd minute.

By that point, they was already trailing on the scoreboard. The “Lions” surged ahead as early as the 6th minute when Mbemo latched onto a rebound in the opponent’s third and delivered a cutting pass. Etta Eyong broke through one-on-one with the goalkeeper and slotted it between his legs – 0:1! The goal proved extremely important, as the team created nothing else before halftime. With 54% possession, the Cameroonians had only 12 touches in the penalty area and 6 shots with a total expected goals (xG) of 0.46.

The “Panthers” were even less active, so the teams went into the break with the favorite holding a minimal advantage. The second half turned out to be more interesting – already in the 47th minute, Lemina fired from the right edge of the penalty area (no problem for the goalkeeper), and Tchamedeu responded in the 50th from a similar position. The ball flew over the crossbar. In the 55th, Mbemo attempted a decent long-range shot into the left top corner, forcing Mbaba to parry.

Gabon wasted their best chance to salvage a draw in the 72nd minute when Ovaga burst into the right corner of the goalkeeper’s area and blasted it under the near post. Epassi saved the “Lions.” This moment was the last for the “Panthers,” while their opponent had another good opportunity in the 79th minute from corners – Magri twice headed from the goal line. One attempt was blocked, and the second went past the far post.

In the end, the final whistle confirmed a minimal victory for the Gabon national team. With that, the first round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations came to an end.