High-flying hosts Cameroon became the first team to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations Semi Final after a 2-0 win over Gambia at the Japoma Stadium in Douala.
The Indomitable Lions remain in the tournament thanks to a Karl Toko Ekambi second-half double to establish their dominance in a performance characterized by composure and control.
Gambia surpassed all expectations to reach the last eight in just their first-ever AFCON appearance. Tom Saintfiet’s side will be proud of their brave showing throughout the tournament and look forward to being back among Africa’s best.
The Gambia were competing in the tournament for the first time and beat Mauritania and Tunisia in the group phase to reach the knockout stages, before eliminating Guinea in the last 16.
But, in front of a passionate home crowd at Japoma Stadium in Douala, The Gambia were outclassed and could have fallen behind in the first half.
One Serie A Star Could Win the AFCON
The Victors will now face Egypt or Morocco in Thursday’s Semi Final and there were enough Serie A star on show throughout the encounter.
Cameroon are the first team to qualify for the #Afcon2021 semi-finals ?? pic.twitter.com/eKerapDW0U
— GOAL (@goal) January 29, 2022
The Scorpions had Musa Barrow for the duration of the game but the Bologna man could not recreate his match-winning heroics in their Round of 16 win over Guinea, while Omar Colley of Sampdoria also ends his campaign having been an ever-present for the West Africans.
Spezia’s Ebrima Colley was brought on as part of a 56th-minute triple-change, which included Roma’s Ebrima Darboe but neither could inspire their side to an unlikely win.
Elsewhere, Martin Hongla saw 81 minutes of action for Cameroon and the Hellas Verona midfielder will have been pleased with his outing having laid on the assist for the second goal, to continue his assists streak in each of the three games he has played at AFCON 2021.
On-loan Napoli man Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa marshaled the middle of the park with his usual gusto and was taken off with minutes left on the clock.
With the tournament entering its latter stages, there is a growing likelihood that an Italian-based player might lift the AFCON title in Youndé next month.