Breaking News: Host Cameroon beats Burkina Faso in opening game of cup of Nations.

Captain Vincent Aboubakar scored two penalties as hosts Cameroon beat Burkina Faso 2-1 in Yaounde in the opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.

Gustavo Sangare had put Burkina Faso in front at the Olembe Stadium but Aboubakar’s double turned the game around before half-time and there were celebratory fireworks at full-time in the stadium, where Cameroonian President Paul Biya and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino were in attendance.

The Cup of Nations, delayed by a year because of the pandemic, runs until February 6.

Cameroon players sing their anational anthem ahead of the Group A Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 football match between Cameroon and Burkina Faso at Stade d’OlembÈ in Yaounde on January 9, 2022. (Photo by Kenzo Tribouillard / AFP)

The Burkina Faso football team pose for a group photo ahead of the Group A Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 football match between Cameroon and Burkina Faso at Stade d’OlembÈ in Yaounde on January 9, 2022. (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP)

Cameroon’s goalkeeper Andre Onana (2nd R) misses a save as Burkina Faso’s midfielder Gustavo Sangare (R) scores his team’s first goal during the Group A Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 football match between Cameroon and Burkina Faso at Stade d’Olembé in Yaounde on January 9, 2022. (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP)

Cameroon’s forward Vincent Aboubakar gestures during the Group A Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 football match between Cameroon and Burkina Faso at Stade d’OlembÈ in Yaounde on January 9, 2022. (Photo by Kenzo Tribouillard / AFP)

Fireworks go off after Cameroon won the Group A Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 football match between Cameroon and Burkina Faso at Stade d’OlembÈ in Yaounde on January 9, 2022. (Photo by Kenzo Tribouillard / AFP)

Cameroon’s forward Vincent Aboubakar controls the ball during the Group A Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 football match between Cameroon and Burkina Faso at Stade d’OlembÈ in Yaounde on January 9, 2022. (Photo by Kenzo Tribouillard / AFP)