Camfoot.com evaluates the performances of the players and manager as Samuel Eto’o lifts Cameroon past Togo at the encounter that took place in Yaoundé Cameroon.
Charles Itanje 3/5
He didn’t have that much to do, except from collecting the ball from his own net on Togo’s leveller. He did made a vital save when let down by his defence and found himself alone against a Togolose striker midway thru the first 45. He then made another one on a strike that seems to go wide anyway. He showed that if needed, his teamates could count on him
Benoit Angwa 2.5/5
He wasn’t alert on the Togolese quick free kick that led to their goal, meaning he was caught on the wrong side of the ball and got beat far too easily. Otherwise it was lively shift from the fullback, getting forward at every occasion without forgetting about his defensive duties.
Nicolas N’koulou 3/5
Reassured performance from our vice-Captain, read the game well and showed great desire and determination, showed great awareness and stamina in one on one situation. However caught flat footed on the most dangerous occasion of the first half prior to the goal, when the opponent was thru with only Itanje to beat.
Jean-Armel Kana biyik 3/5
For a newbie in the team, he did Ok, good anticipation and well timed tackles were the main attributes of is performance. He was sometimes slow to cover up Assou-Ekotto as N’Koulou was doing on the other side, but I guess with some more playing time together, he will get that right.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto 3/5
With almost no threat coming down his flank, he spent the whole game between the middle of the field and the left wing, providing an extra anchor point to the attack, providing some accurate long range passes. Caught out of position sometimes when Togolese centre froward used the space behind him.
Joel Matip 3.5/5
Marshalled the midfield with panache and ferocity, sat in front of the back four and help start our attacks. His physical presence was well felt by the opponents, which the referee wrongly sometimes judged as fouls. Calm and reliability personified during the game.
Jean II Makoun 4/5
The man between the lines, was a great asset for the Cameroonian team today, he was arguably the most dangerous man of the match, as opponents struggled to pick him up, he was always well positioned and always provided an option for the teammate with the ball. Only a great save from the Togolese goalkeeper kept him away from the scoresheet, when he freezes two defender before unleashing a great strike in the first half.
Achille Emana 2.5/5
Tried a lot, and showed some desire to move the ball forward as quick as possible but didn’t got the expected reward for his hard work. Switched flanks several times and even moved to the center in his quest to influence the game somehow. His effectivity wasn’t on par with his efforts and was subbed just after the break.
Benjamin Moukandjo 2.5/5
Left much to be desired from his time on the field. Attacked his opponent well but couldn’t provide some descent end-product for his forwards. He did helped a lot in the defence though and was tactically disciplined. But I guess everybody wanted more from him, replaced by Olinga.
Leo Kwekeu 3.5/5
A real powerhouse upfront, did very well to gather a lot of attention from the Togolese defence, great use of his body to earn a well deserved penalty. Work tirelessly in the attack, flicking balls, being a focal point for his teammates going forward. I thought, he got fouled more than everybody else during the game, especially in the first half.
Samuel Eto’o 4/5
Led the team to victory as he said during the pre-match press conference. His second goal was almost a carbon copy of the one he scored again Gabon almost 4 years ago. Took his penalty very well and led by example, always encouraging his teammates and moving well on the front of the attack, He limped out shortly after his second goal and we all hope it is nothing serious.
Substitutes
Stephane M’bia 2.5/5
Added some punch in the midfield but committed some silly fouls and took some time to fit in. He combined well with Makoun and tried to fill void here and there within his time of the field.
Fabrice Olinga 3/5
An energetic cameo from the teenager. Moved up and down the right flank and used the ball carefully especially in the dying moment of the match.
Alex Song 3/5
Helped settled everything well in the midfield by sitting next to Matip to annihilate any sort of Togo thoughts of going forward. Even though he played just about 10 minutes after replacing Eto’o.
Magnusson 3/5
His tactical changes paid off as Eto’o attacking from the left stuck the winner after he had withdrawn Achille Emana for a more central M’Bia. This was the most attacking starting eleven we saw for quite sometimes now. He wanted to win and he did everything for.
Engamba
