AFCON Day 1: The long-awaited dream finally comes true!

It should have started months ago, but it simply wasn't meant to be. Due to severe medical circumstances amid the coronavirus outbreak, the 2021 AFCON kicked off on Sunday, January 9, in Yaounde.

And we're delighted to see a continent summit finally on the pitch!

The tournament's first game brought us lots of excitement and packed stands, embellished with almost forgotten vuvuzelas.

Home fans were gutted to see their team conceding a goal, but the tables turned as Cameroon netted twice from the spot to make a statement early on.

With a much less crowd to witness it, the other fixture didn't have such intensity. Cape Verde dominated the game but struggled to exploit the fact they were confronted with a ten-man Ethiopia for most of the match.

Aboubakar's brace seals Cameroon's comeback win over Burkina Faso

Hero of the day: VINCENT ABOUBAKAR

One of the most formidable strikers in Cameroon's recent past has shined this Sunday again in the maiden game of the AFCON. A scorer of that crucial title-worth goal in the 2017 finals against Egypt stepped up to push his side to another comeback. This time, it was against Burkina Faso, which were one up after 24 minutes.

However, two Aboubakar's goals from the spot - both those calls seem justified - changed everything for the tournament hosts. A Burkinabe keeper was not even close to saving it, and Cameroon clinched a 2-1 victory to kick off the competition in high spirits.

Fail of the day: YARED BAYE

Just as he thought he got away with only a yellow card, the Ethiopian defender saw all the cruelty of VAR. The referee was called to reconsider his call and, subsequently, reached his pocket for another yellow. And, of course, a red card too.

Ethiopia's Yared Bayeh is shown a red card by referee Helder Martins de Carvalho (©REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani)

Baye made a terrible mistake, losing the ball near the box, and then opted for a tackle as the last man in defence. A ten-men Ethiopia simply couldn't bounce back against a much better opponent.

Goal of the day: GUSTAVO SANGARE

Sangare's tournament opener was really the most charming way to start the competition despite a Burkina Faso later defeat. It is an example of marvellous finishing in a very challenging situation for the attacker. However, he reacted superbly and netted for the guests.