Amad Diallo’s wonderful goal was not enough for Ivory Coast to secure the win they needed to make sure of qualification for the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations tonight.
The Manchester United winger opened the scoring after 51 minutes but, just five minutes later, Junior Tchamadeu’s drive deflected in off Ghislain Konan to earn Cameroon a well-deserved point.
The draw means the two teams both have four points from their first two matches and are well placed to advance from Group F.
Early drama as woodwork struck
It was a frantic encounter from the off and less than two minutes had elapsed before Konan hit the bar with a cross that eluded Cameroon goalkeeper Devis Epassy.
Cameroon had the better chances as the half progressed, Darlin Yongwa stealing in at the far post and hitting a volley into the sidenetting before Tchamadeu’s cross from the right was turned goalward by Christian Kofane, bringing out a brilliant fingertip save from Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahia Fofana as he deflected it on to the bar.
Ivory Coast had offered little as an attacking threat in the opening period but could have gone into the break in front had Vakoun Bayo not headed Diallo’s teasing cross over from point-blank range.
The second half got off to a frantic start with both teams missing wonderful opportunities.
First, Danny Namaso shot over the bar after the Ivory Coast defence had made a mess of attempting to stop Bryan Mbeumo’s left-wing cross.
At the other end, Franck Kessie saw his volley ruled out for offside after he had latched on to Bayo’s clever knockdown.
Amad provides calm amongst the chaos
Kessie then deflected Namaso’s shot on to the bar before the game’s opening goal finally arrived via a touch of class from Amad.
The former Sunderland loanee ran on to Konan’s excellent pass, cut in and curled a brilliant left-footed shot into the corner.
The lead lasted just five minutes as Cameroon got the equaliser they deserved, although it came with a touch of fortune attached.
The ball fell to Tchamadeu on the right side of the box and his shot struck the bottom of Konan’s boot, flew into the turf and then up and over Fofana.
Kessie saw a header well saved by Epassy and, at the other end, Mbeumo’s 20-yard free-kick flashed inches wide of the left upright.