Ambroise Oyongo breaks Malian hearts with late equaliser for Cameroon in Group D.
After a disgraceful World Cup campaign, Cameroon reshuffled their team and quickly bounced back in qualifiers for the AFCON15. As a result they became one of the favourites for the tournament.
AFCON15: Mali 1:1 Cameroon
Sambou Yatabare put Mali in the lead, converting a free kick from skipper Seydou Keita in the 71st minute. Cameroon looked almost set for a disappointing start to the tournament. However, Oyongo scored what would be an equaliser in the 84th minute. The right-back made his way into the penalty area to level the match.
The draw will mean that Group D has all teams on just a point after both of today’s games ended in one-one draws.
There were plenty of chances for both sides in a scoreless first 45 minutes. Fabrice Ondoa was called to action in the early stages of the game by Bakary Sako, saving a close-range shot. Mustapha Yatabare missed a glorious chance after Ondoa’s cross eluded the Cameroonian defence. Eric Choupo-Moting almost put Cameroon into the lead with a header which he saw tipped over the bar by Soumbeila Diakite. Cameroon were almost immediately hit with an injury blow as star player Choupo-Moting limped off due to injury. The first half ended goalless with Mali looking the more likely to score.
The second half saw Cameroon up their game but managed create few chance. Aurelien Chedjou curled his free kick over the bar just before Benjamin Moukanjo shot wide from almost an impossible angle. Mali went into the lead through Yatabare. Keita sent in a free kick from the left-wing, Yatabare found himself unmarked at the far post, controlled well with his chest before smashing the ball home. With Mali’s resilience it was almost a certain win for them. They defended well in the entire game. Cameroon, however never gave up and kept pushing and it finally paid off. Oyongo made his way into the penalty area to receive a pass from Raoul Loe, kept his cool and finished with share composure.
Yatabare thought he had made the headlines after he scored what looked the winner for Mali but he was correctly ruled offside.
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