AFCON chaos as Cameroon reach knockouts after Diego Maradona-esque handball scare

Cameroon were moments away from being knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the group stage following a Diego Maradona-esque handball goal, but this time VAR came to their rescue. Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana watched the chaotic scenes unfold from the bench in another wild evening of African football as a major upset was narrowly avoided.

A thrilling second half featured five goals and a host of drama that saw Cameroon, who needed victory to avoid an early and embarrassing exit from the competition, take the lead in the 56th minute through Karl Toko Ekambi.

But Gambia scored twice and led with just five minutes remaining, with Senegal also ahead in Group C’s other game, meaning that Cameroon were moments away from being told to pack their bags following a disappointing campaign.

Then an own goal from James Gomez gave them a lifeline, but a draw was not enough unless Sadio Mane’s Senegal got another goal in their victory over Guinea.

Christopher Wooh then sent the travelling Cameroon fans into raptures when he got a stoppage-time goal and Rigobert Song’s side thought that they had rescued their place in the next round.

But Gambia won a late corner that was sent to the near post and turned in by Muhammad Sanneh, who began to race away in celebration as they had seemingly taken their first point of the competition to send Cameroon home.