Karl Toko-Ekambi: Lyon star helping power Cameroon surge

Lyon striker Karl Toko-Ekambi has been crucial to Africa Cup of Nations hosts Cameroon winning the status of favourites after surging through the tournament so far. His darting runs, clever creative play and sharp finishing skills have been invaluable assets. FRANCE 24 looks back at Toko-Ekambi’s career.

Cameroon have the aura of favourites after much-fancied Nigeria went from hero to zero, crashing out to a previously unimpressive Tunisia in the second round after winning all their group stage matches.

In large part, the hosts are seen as the most likely winners thanks to talismanic striker Vincent Aboubakar, who boasts a magnificent 6 goals in 4 matches at the tournament so far. But Aboubakar’s strike partner Karl Toko-Ekambi has been almost as impressive, scoring three goals in the same number of matches while playing a pivotal role by distracting defenders from Aboubakar with dangerous runs. 

Cameroon’s first goal against Comoros on Tuesday highlighted the strength of their partnership. 

The tiny Indian Ocean national team had qualified for their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations and got through to the second round. Covid cases racked their squad so badly that a left-back had to go in goal as all the Comoros keepers on the squad had come down with the virus.

No one expected Comoros to triumph over the in-form hosts. But for the first half-hour, the minnows seemed impossible to break down. Humiliation beckoned for Cameroon. Then Aboubakar burst forward while Toko Ekambi positioned himself perfectly, allowing him to tee up a pass for the Lyon striker to place into the back of the net. Cameroon never looked back after that. 

This followed two formidable Toko Ekambi goals when Cameroon lit up a previously goal-shy