By Our Man in Morocco
CAMEROON roared into life at the Africa Cup of Nations last night as Karl Etta Eyong’s early strike proved enough to sink Gabon in a high-octane Group F opener.
But the real star of the show was the Grand Stade d’Agadir, a glittering 45,000-seater oasis nestled between the Atlantic coast and the Atlas Mountains. Under the floodlights of this Moroccan marvel—also known as the Adrar Stadium—the Indomitable Lions finally broke their AFCON hoodoo against their Central African neighbours.
It took just six minutes for the stadium to erupt. Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo turned architect, sliding a delicious through-ball that sliced the Gabonese defence like a hot knife through butter.
Karl Etta Eyong didn’t need a second invitation.
The Levante man raced onto the pass and coolly slotted the ball through the legs of keeper Loyce Mbaba.
A nervy VAR check followed, but the Agadir crowd erupted once more as the goal was given the green light.
Gabon, desperate to claw their way back, threw on a half-fit Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang just after the half-hour mark.
The former Arsenal ace brought some “va-va-voom” to the Agadir turf, but the Lions’ backline stood as firm as the stadium’s concrete foundations.
The “Grand Stade” lived up to its name, providing a world-class backdrop for a match that was more about grit than glamour.
Despite the rain slicking the surface, Cameroon’s Devis Epassy remained largely untroubled, ensuring the Lions joined Ivory Coast at the top of the group.
For Gabon, it was a night of “what ifs” in the desert. For Cameroon, it was a statement of intent—and a winning start in the house that Agadir built.
