Stunning Cameroon comeback snares third

Hosts Cameroon have produced a dramatic comeback from three goals down to beat Burkina Faso on penalties and secure third place in the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Indomitable Lions were back in action barely 48 hours after their semi-final shoot-out heartbreak to Egypt.

Having looked well off the pace as Burkina Faso made the most of their opportunities to take a 3-0 advantage, a late double from captain Vincent Aboubakar drew Cameroon level at 3-3 and meant the match would be decided from the spot.

Goalkeeper Andre Onana, who had earlier scored a bizarre own goal, made the crucial save and defender Ambroise Oyongo then slotted in his penalty to give Cameroon a 5-3 victory in the shootout.

The Burkinabe, beaten 3-1 by Senegal in their semi-final, had made a bright start in Yaounde.

Defender Edmond Tapsoba sent an early header wide before goalkeeper Farid Ouedraogo saved from Cameroon midfielder Jean Onana.

The hosts fell behind in the 24th minute when a deep cross from the right was drilled into the roof of the net by full-back Steeve Yago as he arrived at the far post.

Burkina Faso went further ahead just before halftime through an unfortunate own goal from Andre Onana.

Issa Kabore chased what looked a lost cause down the right before hooking a cross back from the byline and the ball squirmed through the keeper's arms and then off his chest before sneaking in at the near post.

It got worse for Cameroon four minutes after the restart when Aston Villa midfielder Bertrand Traore sent over a cross which Djibril Ouattara met with a towering header.

The game appeared beyond Cameroon, only for the hosts to mount a remarkable comeback.

Stephane Bahoken looked to have scored nothing more than a consolation with 20 minutes left.

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