In another thrilling AFCON group finale, the Indomitable Lions secured a dramatic victory, triumphing over Gambia in a five-goal spectacle to advance to the knockout stage.

Despite an uneventful, goalless first half, the game exploded into action after the break, with Cameroon taking the lead three times, sandwiched between Gambia’s historic first two goals against the formidable Indomitable Lions.

Gambia, despite being 80 places below Cameroon in the FIFA rankings, dominated the first half. However, Cameroon emerged strong in the second half, with Georges-Kevin Nkoudou hitting the crossbar in the 50th minute and setting up Karl Toko Ekambi’s opening goal six minutes later.

Toko Ekambi, a veteran from Cameroon’s 2017 Cup of Nations-winning side, showcased his experience with a well-timed header from Nkoudou’s cross to break the deadlock.

Gambia’s sudden burst of attack led to Ablie Jallow’s equaliser in the 72nd minute, followed by a close chance from Alieu Fadera hitting the post. In the 85th minute, substitute Ebrima Colley secured Gambia’s lead with a powerful shot after a clever one-two pass with Assan Ceesay.

Cameroon needed two goals in the remaining time and levelled the score when James Gomez inadvertently steered the ball into his own net. In a stunning conclusion, Wooh scored the winner with a well placed header from a corner, setting up a last-16 clash with Nigeria in Abidjan on Saturday.

Cameroon, making strategic changes after their previous defeat to Senegal, dropped Andre Onana for Fabrice Ondoa in goal. Despite initial uncertainties, Ondoa made crucial saves to keep Gambia at bay. The victory sets the stage for an intense knockout stage showdown between Cameroon and Nigeria.