The Africa Cup of Nations witnessed a captivating conclusion to Group C as Cameroon dramatically clawed their way back from the brink to defeat Gambia 3-2 in a pulsating encounter, securing their place in the knockout stages in the final seconds of the match. Both teams entered the clash desperate for all three points to stand a chance of progressing to the last 16. The first half unfolded in a tight affair, with neither side able to break the deadlock despite displaying intense desire. The second half burst into life as Karl Toko Ekambi fired Cameroon ahead in the 58th minute, momentarily igniting hopes of a backdoor qualification through a third-place finish. However, Gambia refused to surrender, stunning the Indomitable Lions with swift goals from Ablie Jallow (72') and Ebrima Colley (85'). With Senegal comfortably leading Guinea 2-0 in the other group match, Gambia were on the cusp of securing a historic qualification as one of the best third-placed finishers. Yet, the drama was far from over. A cruel twist of fate struck Gambia in the 87th minute as James Gomez deflected a cross into his own net, hauling Cameroon back into contention. Mere seconds later, Christopher Wooh got his first goal for Cameroon in 91st minute to send Cameroonians into celebratory mode Deep into injury time, Gambia thought they had snatched a dramatic equalizer through Muhammed Sanneh's deft touch. However, VAR intervened, exposing a handball and ruling the goal out, much to the Gambian players' despair. Sanneh was even penalized with a yellow card for his Maradona-esque attempt. Cameroon's late surge proved decisive, as Guinea's 2-0 defeat to Senegal condemned them to third place on goal difference. Both Cameroon and Guinea finished with four points, but the Indomitable Lions edged ahead courtesy of their superior attacking firepower.