Cameroon, Burkina Faso settle for draw to leave Group A wide open

There's everything to play for in Group A after the first day of the Africa Cup of Nations failed to produce a victory.

On Saturday, Cameroon and Burkina Faso played out a 1-1 draw at Stade de l'Amitie that featured everything from beautiful free-kicks to a bone-crunching tackle from Herve Kouakou Koffi, the Stallions' 'keeper. Benjamin Moukandjo opened the scoring in the 35th minute, shipping a dead ball into the top corner from 20 yards out, and Issoufou Dayo headed home an equaliser in the 75th minute when the Indomitable Lions failed to clear a cross.

Related - Watch: Cameroon's Benjamin Moukandjo produces indomitable free-kick

The most impressive bit of the skill from the end-to-end match, however, came courtesy of Koffi. After Christian Bassogog was sent through on goal with a defense-splitting pass, the Burkinabe warrior abandoned his penalty area and stretched out a leg, winning possession as the ball remained motionless under his right leg and sending the Cameroonian attacker flying. It was the type of maniacal goalkeeping that you'll never see in the Premier League, but it was phenomenal.

For Cameroon, the game highlighted its lack of defensive discipline. Burkina Faso's goal was the result of a free-kick just outside the Indomitable Lions' penalty area, and Hugo Broos' side had accumulated a total of 27 fouls by the final whistle. Things would likely have been much more tranquil if Allan Nyom, one of eight players to reject a call-up, had been on the pitch.

As for Burkina Faso, the Stallions' supporters appeared to be beyond pleased with the draw.

Prior to the fixture, Gabon, the host, was held to a 1-1 draw by Guinea-Bissau, who is making its first-ever appearance at a major tournament. As a result, all four national teams in Group A are as level as they can possibly be.