AFCON 2023: Cameroon Saved by Frank Magri As Indomitable Lions Struggle Against 10 Men Guinea

• Cameroon struggled in their first group game at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast on Monday
• The Indomitable Lions failed to get past a 10-man Guinean side at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium
• The five-time African champions will face the Teranga Lions of Senegal in their next group game

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon kick start their 2023 Africa Cup of Nation campaign in Ivory Coast with a draw against Guinea on Monday, January 15.

The five-time champions were favourites to win the tie and dominated most parts of the play in the first 45 minutes, but could not seal all three points against a 10-man Guinean side at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium.

Guinea drew the first blood with a goal from Le Havre forward Mohamed Bayo in the 10th minute after a mistake from Cameroon midfielder Olivier Kemen.

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The National Elephant almost made it 2-0 on the half-hour mark after Sekou Sylla tried to catch Fabrice Ondoa off guard with a long-range effort, but his effort went over the bar.

Guinea were reduced to 10 men in the closing stages of the first half after their captain, Francois Kamano, was sent off after stepping on the heels of Frank Magri; he was initially yellow carded by the centre referee but was upgraded to red by VAR.

Cameroon were back into the game six minutes after restart, with Magri meeting Georges-Kevin N’Koudou's cross from the left wing with a good header past Ibrahim Kone.

Karl Toko Ekambi was close to winning it for Cameroon in the 88th minute, but Guinea goalkeeper Kone saved his effort inside the box as the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Cameroon's next game will be against defending champions Senegal on Friday, January 19, while Guinea will face Gambia on the same day, according to Soccerway.

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Song explains Onana AFCON delay

Sports Brief earlier reported on Cameroon coach Rogobert Song, confirming that he permitted the Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana to extend his stay in England amid the start of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

The former Inter Milan goalkeeper stayed behind to feature for the Red Devils in their Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The Cameroon number one has boarded a chartered flight in hopes of arriving on time for the Group C opener against Guinea on Monday.