Cameroon brushed aside weeks of uncertainty to begin their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a vital 1–0 victory over Gabon in their opening Group F encounter at the Stade d’Agadir.
With David Pagou newly installed as head coach following the dismissal of Marc Brys, the Indomitable Lions arrived in Morocco amid selection controversy and high-profile omissions, including Vincent Aboubakar, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, and Andre Onana. But on the pitch, they delivered the perfect response.
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Cameroon struck early, taking the lead inside nine minutes when Karl Etta Eyong coolly finished from close range after being picked out by Bryan Mbeumo.
Though the goal was initially ruled offside, VAR intervened to overturn the decision, sending the Cameroonian fans into celebration.
Pagou’s side continued to threaten, with Samuel Kotto heading wide from another Mbeumo delivery, while Denis Bouanga came close for Gabon, only to see his effort blocked at point-blank range.
Cameroon suffered a setback when Carlos Baleba failed to return for the second half due to injury, but the five-time African champions dug in defensively. Gabon carved out another promising opening shortly after the hour mark, only for Bouanga to lose footing at the crucial moment.
Cameroon nearly sealed it late on when Frank Magri rattled the crossbar, but the early strike proved enough as the Lions secured a disciplined and determined win.
The result leaves Cameroon level on points with defending champions Côte d’Ivoire at the top of Group F, with the two African heavyweights set for a blockbuster clash on Sunday.