Five-time champions Cameroon were held to a 1-1 draw by Guinea, who had their captain François Kamano sent off just before half-time.
It was the second Group C game after defending champions Senegal secured a 3-0 comfortable win over Guinea, who also had a player, Ebou Adams, sent off.
The Syli Nationale opened the score as early as the 10th minute through Mohamed Bayo.
The West Africans kept their composure up till the 45th minute when a VAR decision saw captain Kamano red-carded.
The Indomitable Lions capitalised on the numerical advantage to clinch the equalizer 10 minutes after the break.
Franck Magri jumped higher to head the ball into the Guinea goal.
The result puts the two sides in 2nd and 3rd behind Senegal and above The Gambia.
Cameroon will next play the champions on Friday, January 19 while Guinea and The Gambia face off in the other group game.
