Three-time champions Cameroon hope to win the African Cup of Nations for a record fourth time — the third in a row. But are they up to the tasks they face in Tunisia?
Tutored by German-born Wilfred Schaffer, the team known as the Indomitable Lions arguably remain favourites to retain the trophy. Veteran goalkeeper Jean-Jacques Songo, defensive kingpin Raymond Kalla, wingback Lauren Mayer and forward Pius Ndiefi have all quit international football citing various reasons.
The team also tragically lost one of Africa’s best defensive midfielders in Marc-Vivien Foe. Given the loss of such influential players, can the team repeat its 2000 and 2002 heroics?
Schaffer knows that the task ahead is almost insurmountable. He has integrated youth and experience in an effort to add stability and consistency to a side whose dominance of African soccer is seriously under threat. He has elevated 19-year-old French-based goalkeeper Idriss Kanemi to become the Lions’ net minder.
Kanemi, who turns out for French second division side Le Havre, kept goal for the Young Lions’ 2000 Sydney Olympics gold-medal winning side. He organises his defence with aplomb and he is also good in aerial tussles, despite being vertically challenged.
Schaffer has roped in Manchester City’s Lucien Mettomo to fill the void left by Kalla. Mettomo is a seasoned campaigner, having been Kalla’s understudy for the past four years. He is expected to partner the veteran and larger-than-life Rigobert Song, who plays for French side RC Lens, in the heart of the defence.
While other teams are bemoaning the absence of key players, Schaffer is spoilt for choice at the heart of his defence, with Auxere’s rising star, Daniel Ngom, providing an extra option for the center-back berth.
Kaiserslautern’s Bill Tchato is certain to fill the right back position, though he faces some competition from Biaka Nj’aka. Espanyol’s Pierre Wome is the obvious choice for the left back role, although Schaffer might not ignore Swiss-based Timothee Atouba. Atouba, who is with Basle, has played soccer at the highest level, notably the European champions league. His youthful exuberance is what could
dislodge Wome from a position he has almost made his own.
But it will be Foe’s shoes that will prove too big for any of the team’s current midfielders to fill. Foe was considered the engine room of the Lions midfield. He conjured all his side’s moves from the middle of the park and strung together many passes that resulted in goals.
Manchester United’s new hard man Eric Djemba Djemba could be the player to take over this role. Djemba Djemba is a natural tackler and his ball-distribution skills are well above average for a 22-year-old.
Other than that, PSG’s Modesto Mbami comes into reckoning. Mbami is fast but his distribution skills often fail him. Chelsea utility man, Geremi Njitap, Leeds United on-loan star Salomon Olembe, 1860 Munich winger Patrick Kioyo and Hanover 96 star Mamadou Idrissou will battle it out for roles in the middle of the park.
Real Mallorca hit man Samuel E’tofils is certain to lead the Lions campaign to defend their crown.
Playing alongside E’tofils could once again be the man affectionately known as the Typhoon. Patrick Mboma has a thunderous left foot, but his dip in form is worrying.
Depending on his fitness, Middlesborough striker Joseph Desire-Job could play. If Job doesn’t make it, the stocky Panathinaikos striker, Joel Epalle, could force his way into the starting 11.