CHAN Off to Explosive Start
January 18, 2021
The African Nations Championship got off to an explosive start on and off the field in Cameroon over the weekend.
On Saturday, the host nation beat Zimbabwe 1-0 in the opening match in Yaounde, but two days earlier, a bomb exploded outside the Limbe Omnisport Stadium, where Namibia is scheduled to play its matches.
According to goal.com there were no fatalities, but several vehicles were destroyed, while the local Fako Action Forces (FAF) claimed responsibility for the explosion.
According to the Cameroonian News Agency, attempts were also made to burn the walls of the stadium, while FAF issued a statement warning that Limbe, which forms part of the Fako region, will not be safe.
CHAN 2020 : Euphoria At Yaounde Fan Zone
Football loving opening game of the African Nations champions, pitting
Cameroon and
Zimbabwe on Saturday, January 16, 2021. With the match expected at 5 p.m, the streets were already emptying at about 4 p.m. Some Cameroonians took to the Yaounde fan zone or better still at the Lions Village located at the
All facilities of the
Yaounde Fan Zone, especially the giant screens, were already in place to make Cameroonians live the most awaited encounter. Security checks were on point and everyone was obliged to put on facemask. At 5 p.m, many were already seated in front of the screens. “We hope that these boys will not disappoint us,” some commented. However, such comments, would only come from patriotic Cameroonians who want nothing but victory.Lire aussi : Elite One: Un fauteuil pour deux
When the goal came, it was via a close-range bicycle kick from the impressive Banga, who reacted quickest when hitherto imperious Zimbabwe goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda failed to deal with a Serge Andoulo free-kick into his box amidst a melee of players.
The ball bounced up to Coton Sport’s Banda who had been replaced as captain of the local Lions ahead of the tournament following Jacques Zoua’s decision to play for the home-based side reacted quickest, and slammed a delightful overhead kick into an unguarded net.
Before his error, Sibanda had kept Zimbabwe in the contest with a series of fine saves, although credit must go to the Warriors backline who were resilient and organised, appearing to put behind them pre-match allegations of witchcraft from coach Zdravko Logarusic, who found a dead bat on the pitch before kick-off .
Hosts Cameroon got off to a perfect start at the African Nations Championship on Saturday when defeating Zimbabwe 1-0 in the opening match of the tournament.
A second-half goal by Salomon Banga was all the Indomitable Lions needed to see off the stubborn southern Africans at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium