Cameroon edged closer to a quarterfinal berth at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon 2017) after a 2-1 win over Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday, while hosts Gabon continued their disappointing run with another draw in the capital Libreville.
Four-time champions Cameroon came from a goal down to defeat Guinea-Bissau with goals from Sebastien Siani and Michael Ngadeu after Piqueti had opened scoring.
The Wild Dogs went ahead in sensational fashion when Piqueti collected possession midway inside his own half, lobbed one opponent and then held off another on his way into the box, before hammering a shot past Fabrice Ondoa.
However, Cameroon equalised when skipper Benjamin Moukandjo, match winner in their first match, turned provider by laying the ball off for midfielder Siani to blast home from 20 yards just after the hour.
Moments later, Slavia Prague defender Ngadeu fired in a low shot at the near post to secure the win for Hugo Broos’ team.
The indomitable Lions go into the final round of group phase games knowing a draw against hosts Gabon on Sunday will secure them a place in the last eight.
Earlier, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s penalty allowed Gabon to come from behind and draw 1-1 with Burkina Faso after Prejuce Nakoulma had put the Stallions in front at the Stade de l’Amitie.
The Stallions lost star man Jonathan Pitroipa and Jonathan Zongo to injury, presenting the Panthers with the best chances to win it when Denis Bouanga met Aubameyang’s knockdown with a first-time effort eight yards from goal only for Burkina Faso goalie Herve Koffi to make a superb block.
Fans will be hoping for more goals when the Afcon 2017 action moves back to Group B in Franceville on Thursday as Riyad Mahrez’s Algeria meet Tunisia in a blockbuster north African derby while Africa’s top-ranked side Senegal take on Zimbabwe in the late kick-off.
