Cameroon launched their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought victory after a swift first-half strike from Karl Etta Eyong secured a 1-0 win against Gabon in Group F at Agadir.

The five-time champions set an aggressive tone from kickoff, pressing high and breaking quickly in transitions as they looked to unsettle their Central African rivals.

That intensity paid dividends early on when Samuel Kotto’s long ball released Bryan Mbeumo, who calmly slipped a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Eyong.

The Levante forward made no mistake, sliding a first-time effort through the legs of goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba, with VAR confirming the goal after a brief onside check.

Stung by the early setback, Gabon struggled to gain control of the contest and were forced into an unexpected tactical shake-up midway through the first half.

Coach Thierry Mouyouma introduced Mario Lemina and all-time leading scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the 33rd minute, replacing Teddy Averlant and Eric Bocoum. Aubameyang’s appearance came as a surprise, having been widely expected to miss the match through injury.

Despite the changes, clear chances remained scarce for Gabon. Their best opening arrived 18 minutes from time when Royce Openda latched onto André Poko’s incisive pass and fired from a tight angle, only to be denied by an excellent save from Cameroonian goalkeeper Devis Epassy.

Cameroon nearly sealed the contest late on as substitute Frank Magri rose to meet Mbeumo’s corner, but his header struck the crossbar after a deflection off defender Jacques Ekomie.

The narrow win gives Cameroon a solid start in a competitive group.

Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Gabon facing Mozambique in Agadir, while Cameroon take on holders Ivory Coast in Marrakech in a highly anticipated clash.