Host nation, Cameroon kicked off their AFCON campaign on a fine note on Sunday as they came from behind to beat Burkina Faso 2-1 in the opening match of the tournament.
Gustavo Sangaro handed Burkina Faso the lead in the 24th minute to make history as the scorer of the first goal in this year’s edition of the showpiece.
Cameroon responded with two goals from the spot through their captain, Vincent Abuobakar in the 40th and 45th minutes as they went on to secure their first victory in the competition.
Aboubakar almost grabbed a hat-trick in the 73rd minute, but his goal was ruled out for offside after VAR check.
The Indomitable Lions held on tenaciously to the end to record a deserved win on the opening day.
Burkina Faso, finalists in 2013 edition, mounted increased intensity towards the end but could not take a point off the keenly contested fixture.
The Indomitable Lions joined at the top by Cape Verde after a comfortable 1-0 win over 10-man Ethiopia.
Julio Tavares’ header was the decider for the Shiva who are taking part in their third ever AFCON tournament.
Cameroon will face Ethiopia while Burkina Faso and Cape Verde will meet on January 13.
MATCH DAY ONE RESULTS
Cameroon 2-1 Burkina Faso
Ethiopia 0-1 Cape Verde