CAN 2022: Cameroonian Lions' first victory enchants supporters
The supporters of Cameroon enjoyed their day of January 9, with the victory of the Indomitable Lions against Burkina Faso at the opening of CAN 2022. © Pierre RENÉ-WORMS / RFI
Text by: Nicolas Bamba Follow
4 min
Cameroon dominated Burkina Faso (2-1), Sunday, January 9, during the opening match of the 2022 African Cup of Nations. At the Olembé stadium, the three points taken by Toni Conceiçao's men are the happiness of the fans.
Their enthusiasm is only growing.
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From our special correspondent at the Olembé stadium,
A quarter of an hour.
This is how long the bad moment in Cameroon lasted, Sunday, in the middle of a successful day.
The Burkina Faso Stallions opened the scoring against the run of the game in the 24th minute.
And then,
Vincent Aboubakar put the Indomitable Lions back on track
, before scoring the winning goal, each time from the penalty spot (40th, 45th + 3).
The Indomitable Lions weren't extraordinary - themselves conceded it to the press - but they made their debut with the victory.
And unsurprisingly, it was difficult to find a disgruntled Cameroonian, at the Olembé stadium, after the final whistle.
"It's good for the Indomitable Lions and for the business"
Before the match, there was the spectacular opening ceremony, with a 3D lion on screen, dance boards on the pitch, smoke bombs, and a very popular guest: singer
Fally Ipupa, beloved in everything. the continent
.
“
I had goose bumps.
It was really… Phew!
it did something to me
, ”says Audrey.
Employee of a refreshment bar at the Olembé stadium, Audrey is not very connected with football.
"
But working during the
CAN
, it's still good
," she qualifies.
All the more so as the three points gleaned against Burkina Faso gave everyone the heart balm.
It was felt on the cash drawer side: "
Victory is good for the Indomitable Lions, and also for business
," laughs Audrey.
The opening ceremony of CAN 2022 was impressive at the Olembé stadium.
© Pierre RENÉ-WORMS / RFI
"This victory is a bit thanks to us too"
Serge came from Edéa to appreciate the show and discover this Olembé stadium, whose “
beauty
” he appreciated. Ngouh Ouzerou, another fan who came with friends, adds: “
We are really happy to have entered this stadium. We talked so much about him that we couldn't believe it.
»Health crisis obliges, the box could not be filled with sold out. But even with around 50,000 people, the mood was high.
Fervor is also, according to Serge, a factor that had its importance when it was necessary to re-mobilize after the goal of the Stallions: “
The players showed a little complacency, but the public pushed them , pushed, pushed.
This victory is a little thanks to us too
"Hawa, faithful supporter of the indomitable Lions tunic on her shoulders, sums up:"
When the lion is scratched, he wakes up.
And he roars!
"
Aboubakar superstar
The man of the match, Vincent Aboubakar, enjoys the highest popularity rating with his two goals. The captain collects all praise. "
This is our jewel
", proclaims Christian, conquered by the attacker. Ngouh Ouzerou is ecstatic: “
This boy, we no longer know what to call him. He's the monster of this team! There was the time of Samuel Eto'o, it is now that of Vincent Aboubakar.
"
There is still a long way to go until the final on February 6 in this same stadium in Olembé.
And as we have seen, it is very difficult to win the CAN when it is played at home.
But after this 2-1 against Burkina Faso, confidence is at its height.
Even Rigobert, a last supporter crossed in Olembé, shows all his faith after having tried the measure: “
It started well, it must end as well.
May the best win… but I'm sure we'll win!
"
Vincent Aboubakar, author of a double for Cameroon against Burkina Faso, in the opening match of CAN 2022. © FMM / Pierre René-Worms
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