After group rivals Mali lost 1-2 to Ivory Coast in the other group B game, Cameroon needed a win to automatically qualify for the Athens Olympic games before the end of the eliminatory round which is a day to go. But the over confidence of Cameroonians instead worked to the advantage of the Congolese instead.
It was a lukewarm performance by skipper Narcisse Abada and his mates from the beginning to end. The about 10,000 impatient fans started backing the Congolese after 20 minutes of worthless play from the home side.
Cameroonn had three chances though with two close headers from strikers Effa Owona and Serge Ngal and a good kick of Effa that was saved by goalkeeper Nkela Nkatu. However, the first half ended with DR Congo leading 1-0.
A minute to half time, Cameroon’s goalie, Amour Patrick Tignyemb failed to push our a corner kick, leaving room for Nseke Sasa to roll the ball in for the curtain raiser. The goal did not surprise many for Congo had had a better side of the game thanks to a clean and purposeful game.
Two half time substitutions for Cameroon only helped them equalize through Thomas Job Iyock, 13 minutes after resumption. The fans returned for Cameroon, but it was short live.
Though Cameroon were not ridiculed, they fell short of having an excellent game and will now have to go and fight for a ticket to Athens in Bamako, Mali in the last day of play.
Cameroon have 11 points, two ahead of Mali and a draw will suffice for Cameroon to go through.
For Cameroon’s assistant coach, Ndoumbe Bosso that could not happen in Yaounde because his players refused to apply their technical and tactical plan.
« All what we told them at half time fell on deaf ears and we now have to start from point zero if we have to win in Bamako and qualify for Athen » , Ndoumbe said.
It was a big disappointment for Ngon A Mamoum who confirmed that the errors were those of the players. However, he was confident Cameroon will get the lone ticket for Athens from group B.
Martin ETONGE
