French-born Cameroon striker Karl Toko Ekambi struck twice in the space of eight minutes at the start of the second half in Douala.
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Cameroon defeated Gambia 2-0 courtesy of a brace by striker Karl Toko Ekambi on Saturday to enter the semifinals of Africa Cup of Nations. French-born Lyon striker Toko struck twice in the space of eight minutes at the start of the second half in Douala. Burkina Faso joined the hosts in the last four by surprising Tunisia 1-0 . Teenage forward Dango Ouattara scored Burkina Faso’s goal in the first half injury time and was sent off in the 82nd minute for an elbow on Tunisia defender Ali Maaloul.
#TeamCameroon and #TeamBurkinaFaso jet off to the semi-finals ✅
Here’s how Saturday’s action went down ?#TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/huBfbbAJxD
— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 ? (@CAF_Online) January 29, 2022
Security was increased at the Japoma Stadium in Douala following the deadly crush that left fans dead at Cameroon’s last match. Cameroon authorities said they had placed 250 extra police officers at the Japoma stadium, while yellow-vested security officials formed the line between the crowd and the field during the game.
Cameroon were clearly the favourites against Gambia, who were playing in their first Africa Cup and caused a major surprise to make it to the quarter-finals. The home side’s winning goals came in an eight -minute burst in the second half when they finally converted their domination into goals in front of a vociferous home crowd.
Toko Ekambi broke the deadlock with a 50th-minute header and then, seven minutes later, tucked in a square pass to complete his brace. The French-born striker now has five goals in the tournament, one behind Cameroon captain Vincent Aboubakar.
Cameroon will meet the winner of Sunday’s quarter-final between Mohamed Salah’s Egypt and Morocco.
Burkina Faso, who are ranked 60th in the world, have won all four AFCON quarters they have ever played including three in the past four tournaments. Tunisia, raked 30th, have lost six of their past seven.
19-year-old Ouattara ran onto Blate Toure’s through ball, held off two defenders and cut inside before firing in . The stallions, who have never won the tournament, will meet the winner of Sunday’s game between Senegal and Equatorial Guinea.
Meanwhile Senegal said Liverpool striker Sadio Mane would be available for the quarter-final encounter after recovering from a blow to the head during the win against Cape Verde in the last 16 on Tuesday that resulted in him being taken to the hospital for tests.
