Toko-Ekambi goals fire Cameroon into Cup of Nations semi-finals

DOUALA: Cameroon are through to the semi-finals of their Africa Cup of Nations after Karl Toko-Ekambi's double fired them to a 2-0 win over Gambia on Saturday (Jan 29) in the hosts' first game at the tournament since the deadly crush in Yaounde.

French-born Lyon striker Toko-Ekambi scored two goals in the space of eight minutes at the start of the second half, leading to scenes of ecstatic celebration in Douala.

His goals were just reward for Cameroon, who completely dominated against a Gambian side appearing in their first ever Cup of Nations.

"They sat back and made it difficult for us and their goalkeeper made some great saves in the first half but we came back out in the second half, got the goals and saw it out, and now we are proud to be in the semi-finals," said Toko-Ekambi.

Cameroon march on to a last-four showdown with Egypt or Morocco as they continue their quest for a sixth continental title, while reaching the quarter-finals was an extraordinary performance for Gambia.

"We lost today against the new champion of Africa," said their coach, Tom Saintfiet.

"We hope to bounce back in future AFCONS. We learned a lot and we will be stronger in the future."

The host nation's first and only visit to the country's economic capital in the tournament meant there was always going to be a frenzied atmosphere in this chaotic city as fans descended on the 50,000-capacity Japoma Stadium.

The Indomitable Lions had not taken to the field since Monday's tragic crush prior to their game against the Comoros in Yaounde, a disaster which left eight dead and 38 injured.

- Security stepped up -

Authorities here massively stepped up their security operation around the ground in an attempt to avoid any repeat.

Army officers with rifles stood atop