Sports Desk (SD) - Cameroon – Cote D’Ivoire: a classic vendetta? By Honore Fon It is obvious that after such a brilliant campaign at the qualifiers, Cameroonians never imagined the lions would have such a hard time from the likes of Mali and Guinea. So far, since the Nations Cup began, the lions have had a rude awakening from their sweet dreams to face the reality that this ball they play is round and can bounce or roll into any net if played with superior effort, strategy and talent. Obviously, talent alone has not been enough since the Mali game. Cameroon stared off on a bad footing with Captain and key defensive midfielder Stephane Mbia suspended against Mali which led to a reluctant call up for Chedjou who has not been doing badly so far. But Finke’s troubles were only made worse by an early injury exit of Enoh Eyong who happens to be our best possible center-field player who has been a real soldier in possession battles. Eyong is injured and may not recover soon enough to play even after the group stages. Generally, Finke’s midfield has struggled for control, even against Guinea. With a not so strong defense only being rescued by goalkeeper Ondoa’s heroics and an attack line that can’t seem to find the net, Cameroon may not face Cote D’Ivoire with the same confidence of their last 2 duels at the qualifiers. Herve Renards Cote D’Ivoire have not had it easy either against same Guinea and Mali as Yaya Toure, Gervinho and the other Ivorian stars have barely managed to keep pace with the agility, determination and dynamism of their opponents. So two struggling giants meet again at the last game while Mali and Guinea lock horns. All 4 teams have 2 points, 2 goals each and its going to be like winner takes all. The rivalry between Cameroon and Cote D’Ivoire has been going on for years and stretch beyond the field to player interviews, sports magazines, Tv commentaries and even old Drogba - Etoo comparisons in coupe decale sound tracks. Will Cameroons hungry lions survive the vengeful rampage of these angry Ivorian elephants? For many soccer pundits, the picture is very gloomy and the future is shaky in view of the past two matches and Finke’s coaching decisions. Top among their concerns are Oyongo Bitolo being put to play porously on the right back when he is clearly a better left back defender, Finke’s preference of the likes of Frank Kom instead of George Mandjeck in midfield already punctured by injury, the non – use of speedy rising star Njei Clinton to spur a lagging attack line, Abubakars lack of intelligence as a striker and Chuopo Mitings frustrations as an excellent playmaker with too little support from the midfield and the wings. How we shall beat the odds is largely a matter of strategy and seemingly lies in the hands of one important decision maker, Volker Finke.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 02:03:28 +0000
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