If you score the stoppage time game-winning goal to defeat one of the best teams in the world, you’re going to celebrate regardless of the consequences. Vincent Aboubakar was one of the happiest people ever to be sent off for taking his shirt off after scoring in the 92nd minute to get Cameroon the win against Brazil.
In stoppage time, Jerome Mbekeli sent a perfectly placed cross into the box, meeting the head of Aboubakar, who left Ederson flat-footed. Aboubakar celebrated by taking his shirt off, earned a second yellow, and was sent off for the final few minutes. It was quite literally a “walk off goal.”
CAMEROON SCORES 😱🇨🇲 pic.twitter.com/dvrY004pK3
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 2, 2022
Aboubakar celebrates his goal for Cameroon by taking off his shirt, and then is sent off for a second yellow card 😅 pic.twitter.com/JubSqTAX1L
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 2, 2022
Aboubakar and Cameroon did something to Brazil that hasn’t happened in 24 years. This was Brazil’s first group stage loss since 1998. Granted, Brazil already clinched a round of 16 spot and was mainly playing backups, but that little detail won’t ruin Cameroon’s time.
Some will say Aboubakar getting the red for something like taking his shirt off was dumb but let’s be honest. I don’t know if he knew that Switzerland was leading, but it wasn’t likely that Cameroon was advancing anyway. They played for pride, and to Cameroon, beating Brazil is their version of a World Cup title.
Many people had some fun and celebrated Aboubakar’s goal and red card. That included referee Ismail Elfath smiling and shaking Aboubakar’s hand, almost as though Elfath was saying, “I’m sorry, but I have to do my job.” It’s two people being human and shows that even in important games, there’s room for a light-hearted moment.
Lmao @ the ref smiling and shaking Aboubakar's hand then sending him off pic.twitter.com/T7U0QZLNFL
— Devan (@DevanUTD) December 2, 2022
If you’re gonna get sent off, get sent off in style like Aboubakar
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) December 2, 2022
Lovely red card that. A smile, a handshake and a tap on the back of the head from the ref for Aboubakar
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) December 2, 2022
Vincent Aboubakar: the happiest man to be sent off in a World Cup ever
— Football Ramble (@FootballRamble) December 2, 2022
Vincent Aboubakar really said pic.twitter.com/eSI4o8ZgPC
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) December 2, 2022
Aboubakar is my hero just for accepting the red and leaving his team with 10 men like this 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/TLP0789u87
— Nubaid Haroon (@RamboFYI) December 2, 2022
WOW. Aboubakar doesn't do things quietly. Scores for #CMR against #BRA . Celebrates by taking his shirt off. Beacause he's already on a yellow, he gets booked…and gets sent off.
— Luis Miguel Echegaray (@lmechegaray) December 2, 2022
The ref dapped up Vincent Aboubakar before giving him a red card after his game winning goal 🤣 pic.twitter.com/JvRowHrs8c
— Playmaker (@playmaker) December 2, 2022
Aboubakar carrying Cameroon like pic.twitter.com/QAUYtB7qoZ
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) November 28, 2022
This point should NOT be lost. We don’t want to, but we have to. Class act by #referee Elfath in the manner he issues the mandatory second yellow/red to #aboubakar. That moment reflects football understanding & compassion. Referees do care. #CMRBRA #CMR #FIFAWorldCup #redcard
— Christina Unkel (@ChristinaUnkel) December 2, 2022
Brazil and Switzerland finish out the round of 16 bracket. Brazil will play South Korea, while Switzerland will face Portugal.
