Cameroon has qualified for the semi-final stage of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after beating debutants The Gambia 2-0 on Saturday at the Japoma Stadium in Douala.

The hosts found the back of the net in the second half through Karl Toko Ekambi, having been frustrated in the first despite dominating possession.

Ekambi's goals came in the 50th and 57th minutes, sending Cameroonian fans, who turned out in large numbers to watch the game, into frenzy.

Cameroon wasted other chances to better their lead, but their dominance ensures there as no real threat from The Scorpions.

The Indomitable Lions will now meet the winner of the game between Egypt and Morocco.

Cameroon are banking on home support to push them to the title, which would be their second in five years.

The Gambia's loss brought an end to a fairytale for the small nation, having produced impressive displays throughout the tournament to claw their way to the quarter-final stage.

The Gambia qualified from Group F as runners up behind Mali, having managed two wins from three games. Mali took the top spot only on goal difference.

Fellow West African side Senegal will play Equatorial Guinea in another quarter-final game, with Burkina Faso taking on Tunisia in the final clash of the stage.