Challenging for a record-equalling fifth African Nations Cup title in West Africa will fill Samuel Eto’o-inspired Cameroon with confidence.
The Indomitable Lions have won the trophy three times in the region, a record no country can match, with Ghana (twice), Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Egypt the other countries to succeed there.
After several decades of underachievement, Cameroon first served notice of their intention to become a dominant African force by defeating Nigeria 3-1 in the 1984 final in Côte d’Ivoire.
Morocco was the setting for their next Nations Cup success four years later, with Nigeria again the runners-up, and when the countries clashed once more in the 2000 decider in Lagos the odds were against Cameroon.
But after surrendering a 2-0 advantage in the electric atmosphere of the Surulere Stadium, Cameroon prevailed in a penalty shoot-out marred by a refereeing blunder that tilted the balance toward the visitors.
To defeat the Super Eagles in Nigeria ranks among the most difficult tasks for an African national team and the result confirmed Cameroon as an African football powerhouse.
After cruising into the following final by winning five consecutive matches without conceding a goal, Cameroon were taken to the wire by a new force on the continent, El-Hadji Diouf-led Senegal.
There were no goals after 120 hyper-cautious minutes in Mali and once again the steel-edged nerves of the Indomitable Lions prevailed in a shoot-out where half the 10 spot kicks did not produce goals.
While main 2008 title rivals Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria face difficult first-round assignments, Cameroon have been blessed by a favourable Group C draw that pits them against Egypt, Sudan and Zambia.
Egypt may be the holders but few give them any chance of a sixth title, Sudan lack experience after a 32-year absence and unpredictable Zambia rely too heavily on too few stars.
Although Cameroon are only second seeds behind Egypt, it would be a surprise if they failed to top the table, and a favourable quarterfinal tie looms while Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire , Mali and Nigeria are in the opposite half of the draw.
However, last-eight exits in the last two editions will remind Barcelona star Eto’o and company that the Lions, who roared to Ghana from a group including Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda and Liberia, are not always indomitable. — Sapa-AFP