Aboubakar

By Mohamed Fajah Barrie in Yaounde

Cameroon’s star striker Vincent Aboubakar has urged his teammates to repeat their good performance against Burkina Faso when they face both Ethiopia and CAPE Verde in their remaining group matches in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

The Saudi Arabia based player won the match of the award for the Nations Cup opening match after netting two first half goals from the penalty spot to give the indomitable Lions a 2-1 victory over the Stallons.

“We must repeat the performance in our next two matches,” Aboubakar said in a post match press conference.

“We had a good game and we now have three points which is precious for us.”

The Indomitable Lions coach Antonio Olivera said: “The victory is very important for us, adding that: “it’s true that we scored two penalties but what’s important is that we were able to get the three points.”

“I was a bit scared when we conceded a goal but I trusted my players.

“They had to react well as they showed that they were up to the task.”

The crowd too played their part, we anyways need the crowd, we’re in this kind of competition thanks to them. They’re the 12th man on the pitch for us.”

Burkina Faso took the lead in the 23rd minute through Gustavo Fabrice Sangare who volleyed into the net from the box after receiving a cross from the left wing to score the first goal of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Vincent Aboubakar converted a penalty given after a VAR review judged that he was fouled in the box by tthe Burkina Faso skipper Bertrand Traore in the 40th minute before sealing victory with another kick from the spot before the break.

He netted another goal in the second half but was ruled off side after a long VAR review.

Burkina Faso coach Firmin Sanon says he regrets losing the match.

“The only regret we have is we didn’t able to at least get a point from the match,” Sanon said in response to a question at the post match press conference.

“May be we lost because we lacked experience.”

“I’m not complaining about the penalties but I would have preferred the referee to review an elbow incident during the match which for me should have seen Cameroon reduced to 10 men.

“But this how it’s always when you playing against the hosts.”

In the other match of the group Julio Tavares’ header in the first minute of stoppages in the first half was enough to give Cape Verde a1-0 victory over 10-man Ethiopia.

Cameroon who top the group for now with three points take on Ethiopia in their next match on Thursday while Burkina Faso currently third face second place Cape Verde on the same day.

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