Cameroon book place in AFCON quarterfinals with 2-1 win over Comoros

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ANKARA (AA) - Host nation Cameroon reached the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations after beating underdogs Comoros 2-1 on Monday.

Comoros were down to 10 men earlier in the match when team captain Jimmy Abdou was shown a straight red card in the seventh minute.

In the 29th minute, Karl Toko Ekambi rolled the ball into the net from a short range, putting Cameroon 1-0 ahead at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde.

Vincent Aboubakar doubled his nation's lead in the 70th minute before Comoros reduced the deficit through Youssouf M'Changama's outstanding long-range free-kick in the 81st minute.

Comoros were without all three recognized goalkeepers while left-back Chaker Alhadhur played as a goalie for his nation.

The first choice goalkeeper, Salim Ben Boina, was sidelined through injury, and his back-up keeper Moyadh Ousseini contracted the coronavirus.

Another goalie, Ali Ahamada, tested negative but he was not eligible to play after he failed to fulfill COVID-19 protocols.

Cameroon joined Gambia, Burkina Faso and Tunisia to progress to the last eight of the tournament.