AFCON 2023: Cameroon Criticized for Failing to Beat Ten Man Guinea

• Cameroon have drawn their first2023 AFCON match against 10-man Guinea
• The Indomitable Lions played against a ten-man Guinea for the entire second half but couldn't find a way
• Fans blasted the five-time AFCON champions for failing to beat a 10-man Guinea

Cameroon were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by 10-man Guinea in their opening game in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Guinea took the lead but were reduced to ten men after captain Francois Kamano was shown a red card for his challenge on Cameroon's Frank Magri.

Mohamed Bayo opened the scoring after 10 minutes but were dealt a major blow after Kamano was sent off towards the end of the first half.

Their lead was erased by Cameroon through Frank Magri, who leapt the highest to head in Kevin Nkoudou's inswinging cross in the 51st minute, per CAF.

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Despite having a man advantage, the Indomitable Lions failed to capitalize. They struggled to break Guinea's defence down and resorted to crossing the ball into the box, a tactic that did not work.

Rigobert Song's men will be disappointed they failed to take all three points and face defending champions Senega;l, who beat Gambia 3-0 earlier in the day.

Cameroon slammed by fans

@Agichana:

"Cameroon didn't deserve the point."

@Philistine55:

"But that is Heritage for Cameroon. They are definitely missing Mbuemo. The point is good though. They will still go through I think."

@TruBlaq_:

"Cameroon looks toothless."

@WaruiJohn2:

"Not a good result for the indomitable Lions.... Not scoring against 10 men is shocking."

@NnabuikemAsogwa:

"Guinea has proven to be the team to watch in this tournament."

"They are such a resilient side."

Cameroon reached the 2021 AFCON semi-final and have been tipped to go deep into the tournament. Against Mali, they were without the top scorer of the 2021 edition Vincent Aboubakar.

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The build-up to the match was dominated by the omission of Andre Onana from the matchday squad, per GOAL.

Song explains Onana'a absence

Sports Brief earlier reported on Cameroon boss Rigobert Song explaining Onana's situation before the clash with Guinea.

Onana stayed behind to feature for Manchester United in their Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

"We all know Onana remains one of the best goalkeepers. If we gave him permission to stay at the club, it is because we all know the qualities he has."