Cameroon came from behind to beat Guinea-Bissau 2-1 in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations clash at the Stade de l’Amitié in Libreville on Wednesday evening.
The Indomitable Lions subsequently move top of Group A with Gabon and Burkina Faso having played to a 1-1 draw at the same venue.
Piqueti had given Djurtus a surprise lead, but second-half goals from Sébastien Siani and Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui spearheaded Hugo Broos’s and his troops to all three points.
Following what was a lively start to the encounter, Cameroon looked to have found their rhythm first – only for the African minnows to take the lead with 13 minutes on the clock.
Having picked up the ball well within his own half, Piqueti ignited an unbelievable solo run which ended with the Portugal-based forward hammering home a right-footed shot to send those in attendance into absolute delirium.
Shocked and almost in disbelief, Cameroon pushed men forward almost immediately in search of the equaliser, but Djurtus held firm.
When Cameroon finally managed a shot on target through Clinton N’Jie, Jonas Mendes was well positioned to make an easy save in the 26th minute.
The Indomitable Lions continued to surge forward and after captain Benjamin Moukandjo saw his shot from the edge of the area fly straight at Jonas, teammate Vincent Aboubakar squandered a golden chance.
Back in the starting eleven – having missed the clash against Burkina Faso due to suspension – the Besiktas striker looked sure to score when the ball fell to him unmarked inside the area in the 43rd minute. Somehow, though, he could only succeed in scuffing his effort straight at the Guinea -Bissau goal-minder.
The four-time champions almost suffered another blow nine minuter after the interval with Ngadeu-Ngadjui at hand to clear off the line after Frédéric Mendy had chipped the ball over the onrushing Fabrice Ondoa.
Cameroon made good use of their slice of good fortune with Siani hammering home the equaliser in the 61st minute. It was a trademark strike by the midfielder who netted his second goal for his country following good work by Moukandjo.
Hard-working Christian Bassogog would set up the winner in the 78th minute with Ngadeu-Ngadjui, who had advanced up the field, striking a rasping effort past Jonas at his near post.
Cameroon easily navigated through the final exchanges as they take control of Group A heading into their clash against hosts Gabon on Sunday.
