Soccer

African Cup of Nations: Hosts Cameroon and Burkina Faso into second round

Cape Verde likely to advance as one of four best third-placed finishers

Burkina Faso supporters cheer during the Africa Cup of Nations Group A match against Ethiopia at Stade de Kouekong in Bafoussam, Cameroon. Photograph: Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP via Getty Images

Mon Jan 17 2022 - 18:25

Cameroon gave up a second-half goal to the Cape Verde Islands as they were held to a 1-1 draw on Monday but the hosts still finished top of Group A in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Captain Vincent Aboubakar scored his fifth goal of the tournament to put Cameroon in the lead in the 39th minute before half-time substitute Garry Rodrigues equalised in the 53rd minute.

Rodrigues’s audacious back flick ensured Cape Verde finished with four points in third place in the standings. They are likely to advance as one of four best third-placed finishers.

Burkina Faso finished second, also with four points, after a 1-1 draw with Ethiopia in the other Group A match.

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Cape Verde forward Garry Mendes Rodrigues celebrates scoring his team’s goal during the Africa Cup of Nations Group A match against Cameroon at Stade d’Olembe in Yaounde, Cameroon. Photograph: Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP via Getty Images

Cyrille Bayala netted midway through the opening period but his goal was cancelled out by an 82nd-minute penalty by Ethiopia striker Getaneh Kebede that earned his side their only point of the tournament.

Ethiopia are eliminated but will be pleased with a much better defensive performance, while 2013 finalists Burkina Faso have a lot to improve if they are to go deep in the tournament.

Cyrille BayalaGarry RodriguesGetaneh KebedeVincent Aboubakar