Some 30 of the 45 invited junior lions currently camping at the Ombe SONEL Human Resource Development Centre near Mutengene (Tiko Sub Division), will leave the South West Province tomorrow morning against their Sunday football encounter with DR of Congo at the Amadou Ahidjo stadium, Yaounde.
Head coach, Jean Paul Akono, contacted at the training camp yesterday afternoon, said apart from Eyoum Ekwalla on medical rest for two months, the other players are physically, morally, and tactically fit for the match expected to give them the hope for Athens this year.
However, the junior lions squad may have to tackle Sunday’s match without ghomsi (Genoa -Italy), Mokake Marcus (Sedan – France), Esola Tchamba (Bastia- France), Angbwa Ossoemeyang, (Nacional Futbol – Uruguay), Amadou Dangadji (Isle d’Abeau – France). Their external based clubs are still very reluctant to release them three days to the encounter. Those categorically confirmed not to come include Mezague Valery (Monpellier – France), Gathuessi Thiery of the same club, and Emana Achille (Toulouse – France).
Head coach Akono explained that the Olympic games do not fall within FIFA calendar. Clubs are therefore not obliged to release their players for the competition. He added that the only thing the national squad could do is just to continue pleading with the employer-clubs. « We are continuously doing just that and we appreciate the clubs that have so far collaborated to release their players », Akono said.
Meantime, the boys are undergoing a well planned out camping in Ombe including a review of physical, tactical and cohesion abilities in order to ensure a victory over Congo next Sunday. Logistically, Akono had nothing to deplore. Job Iyock, Atouba Timothé and team captain Djemba Djemba announced their arrival latest today morning. The team has been on camping for 10 days and is receiving the required booster from the local Administration.
Nkeze Mbonwoh, CT
