Cameroon

CAN final: "It would be difficult for anyone to beat Egypt now"

Julien — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 11:24:12 +0100

Our Observer in Ghana describes the post-match atmosphere in Accra after the team's defeat, and gives his predictions for the final.

The Lions of Cameroon are simply on fire

Julien — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 10:24:55 +0100

Wow! I just finished watching the Cameroon - Tunisia match and I must say that Cameroon is a very hungry team. They took the 4-2 result from Egypt not as a defeat, but as a chance to rebuild and re-assess their team. The Lions of Cameroon are simply on fire now and are one of the favourites to reach the finals.

Meanwhile the Black Stars of Ghana are fresh from their 2-1 win over the Super Eagles of Nigeria. That match was truly like a final game. Such passion, such flare and such emotion from the West African rivals. Today has confirmed that Cameroon and Ghana will play each other in the semi finals. I'm a Black Stars fan, and I think that in order for Ghana to come out victorious they mustn't leave the Cameroonians any space. As the opportunists that they are, they would exploit it to the fullest! The Ghanaians must be weary of the Cameroonians’ free kicks, because as seen by the game with Tunisia, they’re great at free kicks. Also the Cameroonian team is very physical so the Black Stars have to take note of that.

The Black Stars have a very solid defence. They’ve only let in two goals so far compared with Cameroon’s seven. In conclusion, I have to say that the Ghana - Cameroon match will be very physical and I see the Black Stars winning this game 2-1."

Egypt and Cameroon go through to the semi final

Julien — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 18:25:16 +0100

The posts for the semi finals are almost complete. The Black Gazelles were mowed down by the Pharaohs and the Eagles of Carthage were devoured by the untamable Lions. In both cases, it wasn’t easy. We saw two of the best matches of the competition. It’ s the experience that makes the artist, as we say. In any case it’s what let Egypt bring Angola to an end. They were solid team who until now astonished us. No doubt they’ll confirm their great play in the next edition of CAN, which will take place at home for them; in Angola. Egypt really enjoyed a great feat when they beat the Ivorians, but a revenge could be on its way. This will surely be the hottest game in the competition. For Cameroon, the task couldn’t have been harder, and was long and intense to boot. The Tunisians lacked a bit of luck but finished holding their heads high: they fought till death, and Lemerre can only congratulate them for their efforts. Cameroon’s strength grew as the event went on…the next match for them will be a challenge for their competition.”

People are telling themselves that the Eagles can be overcome

Julien — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 17:32:14 +0100

In Yaounde, chatter is at full steam in taxis, offices, schools, markets, on the TV and radio stations, in the bars... almost everyone criticising the untameable Lions for their poor-play, but also commending them too- Cameroon has the best attack, (ten goals!) and the best striker, Eto' Fils. The Cameroons don't forget to encourage their team. In my country, where everyone assumes the position of coach, there is plenty of speculation. There are those who think the team was unprepared for the CAN, so they can only get better. And what's coming, only a match with Tunisia! People are telling themselves that the Eagles can be overcome because they're also badly prepared. But some think that in light of their last three matches, the Tunisians could be tactically and technically stronger. Me, I count on the mental persistence of our players."

"Whatever colour the cat, as long as it catches the mouse"

Julien — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:05:49 +0100

After the avalanche of Cameroon goals against Sudan - 3-0! - signifying qualification into the second round, the whole town became hysterical. Young and old, women and men, Cameroons and ex-pats, everyone celebrated the Lions' victory, and with no moderation! The sound of fanfares and klaxons made the atmosphere very fun... After being defeated by the Pharaohs of Egypt, the Lions' biggest rivals for a long time, it was time to brush off our mistakes. (...) Everyone agrees now that the Lions approach their prey with more and more certainty. Maybe lacking manners, but not efficiency! Like we say: "Whatever colour the cat, as long as it catches the mouse"."

No matter what ethnicity, every Cameroon is behind the Lions

Julien — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:44:18 +0100

Despite a slow start from Cameroon, we're not worried. Everyone agrees in saying that the technical, tactical and administrative problems in the first match were overcome piece by piece and the Lions are ready and roaring to go now. Bad memories are apparent: the late appointment of a new coach and regrouping of the players; the bad preparation matches... But every person from Cameroon- despite 288 ethnicities and 200 national languages- sing the national anthem in unison. We're reunited by football; by the Lions; the real cement of the country. Every business is geared towards football at the moment. The national television station CRTV airs every single CAN match. The breweries have launched contests. There's no traffic on the roads when the Lions are playing, not even a taxi! (...) Predictions for tonight are, naturally in favour of the untameable Lions: 1-0 here; 3-1 there, some even say 5-1! Few Cameroons envisage a defeat faced with Sudan.