We scored four goals after the 85th minute, but the last one was by hand! The best match of the African Cup so far
Konstantin Krinsky January 23, 2024, 22:35 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
Cameroon left the group at the last moment!
Gambia failed to defeat Cameroon (3-3) in the third round of the group stage of the African Cup of Nations. This result is charming not only because of the score, but also because of the fast-paced plot! The favorite almost missed out on the playoffs of the tournament, but recovered in time and achieved an incredible finish.
Gambia is an outsider in Group C, but in the last round they could easily jump to third place in the group, despite two defeats in the previous rounds. It seemed that this would not happen: Karl Toko Ekambi put the Cameroonians ahead in the 56th minute. And then the fun began.
Here’s how things unfolded in that fantastic second half after Cameroon took the lead:
Minute 72 – Abli Jallow tied the score (1:1); Minute 85 – Ebrima Colley ahead of Gambia (2:1); Minute 87 – James Gomez scored alone (2:2); 90+1 1st minute – Christopher Wu calmed down Cameroon (2:3); minute 90+1 – Colley scored a double and made the favorite nervous (3:3).
But the referee annulled the last goal because he had scored it with his hand, although beautifully. Thus, Gambia finished the group stage without points, and Cameroon scored four, and immediately rose to second place (overtook Guinea in additional indicators).
Incredible development of events! In 45 minutes, Cameroon occupied three places in the group: from last (and even a little embarrassing for such a team) to second. It’s even a bit of a pity for Gambia: they fought to the end with the favorite and had every chance to make a splash.
The tournament is full of surprises:
Which favorite will miss the playoffs? African Cup group stage lineups
