Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana was axed to the bench by Cameroon coach Rigobert Song last night.
Cameroon needed victory over Gambia to reach the AFCON knockouts - which was achieved 3-2.
Onana watched from the bench as his cousin Fabrice Ondoa stood strong for Cameroon between the posts.
Christopher Wooh's injury-time goal won a dramatic final group game.
Cameroon will now face Nigeria on Saturday, January 27 for a place in the quarterfinals.