Defender avoids nailed-on red card, 38 seconds into Africa Cup of Nations opener

No one can accuse him of starting the game slowly

Burkina Faso defender Steeve Yago somehow escaped a red card just 38 seconds into the opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations. Host nation Cameroon kicked-off the tournament against Burkina Faso on Sunday, with Toni Conceição's side securing a 2-1 victory to make a positive start to their campaign. The game itself was an extremely lively one, which saw its first controversial moment less than one minute into the tie as Yago made a crunching tackle on Cameroon's Collins Fai, which saw him requiring treatment. Yago - who plays for Cypriot First Division club Aris Limassol - received a booking for his challenge, but it would be more than fair to say that the centre-back could've easily seen red. https://twitter.com/FootballJOE/status/1480212064429826055

Cameroon bounce back after early slip

The early incident clearly rocked the home side as they struggled to stamp their authority on the game, leading to Burkina Faso taking a shock lead through Gustavo Sangaré in the 24th minute. Aston Villa winger and Burkina Faso captain Bertrand Traoré saw his header cleared off the line, with Sangare mis-judging his initial strike on the rebound before finishing well past André Onana - who somehow missed the ball. https://twitter.com/FootballJOE/status/1480215669119590404 However, Cameroon responded well and were level in the 40th minute courtesy of captain Vincent Aboubakar's penalty. André-Frank Zambo Anguissa went down inside the area after a challenge from Traoré, with VAR quickly awarding the spot-kick. The Al-Nassr forward soon got his and the Indomitable Lions' second with another penalty after Issoufou Dayo made an unnecessary foul inside the box. https://twitter.com/SkyFootball/status/1480221086067396608 The host nation later had the ball in the net following a counter-attack, but Aboubakar's strike was ruled out for offside. Cameroon controlled the majority of the second period and ensured they started the tournament with an important three points. Conceição's men play Ethiopia in their next fixture on Thursday, while Burkina Faso face-off against Cape Verde at the Olembé Stadium on the same day. Related links:

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