The Indomitable Lions were too strong for the Coelecanths, who had their captain sent off early but still presented a formidable opposition to the hosts. Players from the island nation go home with heads held high.
Comoros’ dream run at AFCON has come to an end after hosts Cameroon won 2-1 at Paul Biya Stadium.
Before the match kicked off, the visitors found themselves in an unprecedented situation with all three goalkeepers unavailable seeing left-back Chaker Alhadhur in net.
And just seven minutes into the match things would go from bad to worse as captain Jimmy Abdou was sent off after VAR review.
Yet despite the situation, the visitors kept Cameroon tame until Karl Toko Ekambi split defenders and slotted the ball into the net for the lead.
The hosts ramped up the pressure after the break, but Alhadhur made some impressive saves to keep things 1-0 before Vincent Aboubakar eventually doubled the lead.
Benjaloud Youssouf and company continued to test goalkeeper André Onana at the other end and a stunning 30-yard free-kick from Youssouf M’Changama made it a one-goal game with roughly 10 minutes left.
However, the comeback fell just short, and Cameroon now move on to the quarter-finals.
Guinea have been sent home from the competition after a narrow victory at the hands of AFCON debutants Gambia in Kouekong.
The deadlock was finally broken after 71 minutes, when Musa Barrow burst into the box and finished well for his second goal of the tournament.
Guinea thought they’d equalised five minutes later when Ibrahima Conté had the ball in the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
And Gambia had to see out the final minutes with 10 men when Yusupha Njie was sent off for a second bookable offence.
But despite Guinea rattling the woodwork twice and appealing for a penalty in stoppage time, the Scorpions held on to book their spot in the quarterfinals.
Guinea were also reduced to 10 men in the dying seconds when Conté was shown a second yellow card.
More AFCON action continues Tuesday as Senegal face Cape Verde and Morrocco take on Malawi.
Tuesday’s matches
- 20h00: Senegal – Cape Verde
- 23h00: Morocco – Malawi
