AFCON 2021 round-up: Cameroon win opener, COVID-hit Senegal snatch late winner, Guinea take on Malawi next

Cameroon made the perfect start to the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations.

The hosts secured a 2-1 comeback victory against Burkina Faso in the first match of the tournament.

Two penalties from captain Vincent Aboubakar helped Cameroon grab three points.

Their next match will be against Ethiopia on January 13.

Burkina Faso were hit by COVID-19 absentees before their first match.

Head coach Kamou Malo, along with Edmond Tapsoba, Oula Abass Traore, Soumaila Ouattaram Saidou Simpore, Aboubacar Dango, and three other members of staff tested positive and were isolated away from the squad.

Senegal make winning start despite COVID-19 outbreak

Another team plagued by COVID-19 is Senegal.

Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Famara Diedhiou all missed Senegal’s first game against Zimbabwe.

However, a 97th-minute penalty from Sadio Mane helped the AFCON favourites get off to a winning start earlier today.

Senegal dominated possession, but Zimbabwe used counter-attacks well to create chances for themselves.

Senegal’s next opponent will be Guinea on January 14.

Guinea takes on Malawi next

Two matches kick off simultaneously in the second half on Day 2 of AFCON 2022.

Guinea take on Malawi in one match with heavyweights Morocco and Ghana facing each other in the other encounter.

The final match tonight will be the late-night kick-off between Comoros and Gabon.

Gabon captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has not played football since his disciplinary episode with Arsenal.

However, he will be unable to take part in the first match as he has tested positive for COVID-19.

Read Next: Chelsea need to pay €10 million more to land Barcelona star.