January 25, (THEWILL) – Despite being without a recognised goalkeeper and playing with ten men for the majority of the game, continental debutants Comoros went toe-to-toe against tournament hosts and favourites Cameroon, but were eventually defeated 2-1 in the TotalEnergies 2021 Africa Cup of Nations last 16 match.
Following a stunning triumph against Ghana, Comoros’ fairytale rapidly turned into a nightmare as a coronavirus epidemic in their camp left them without a goalkeeper for the match against Cameroon.
Substitute goalkeeper Ali Ahamada had a negative result on Monday, but CAF had not given him permission to play, therefore defender Chaker Alhadhur was forced to take up the responsibility between the sticks.
Chances for Les Coelacantes to make it to the quarter-finals were dealt an even worse blow after their captain, Nadjim Abdou, was sent off after only seven minutes of play for a straight red card after referee Bamlak Tessema Weyesa reviewed footage of his challenge on Moumi Ngamaleu.
Cameroon struggled to test Alhadhur until Karl Toko Ekambi scraped out a shot that reached the bottom-left corner in the 29th minute.
As Comoros continued to display their adventurous side, Andre Onana did brilliantly to keep out Ahmed Mogni and Mohamed Youssouf in quick succession, but Alhadhur matched his opponent by denying Vincent Aboubakar and Ngamaleu in a remarkable double save after the interval.
In the 70th minute, Aboubakar sold Alhadhur a dummy to add to Cameroon’s tally with his sixth goal of the competition. Yet, despite their numerical disadvantage, Comoros fought valiantly and pulled one back through Youssouf M’Changama’s stunning 35-yard free-kick that flew into the top-right corner.
However, in the end, Comoros’ stunning maiden AFCON appearance, was over, and Cameroon will now face Gambia, another debutant side that has defied the odds and stayed in the competition so far
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
