Italia 90 opener remains the reference. Prototype Indomitable Lions have proven that, they generally shake-off under performance jinx when clad with uncertainty and worst still, when underrated by adversaries. This is the tone that the squad set in Italy ’90 and brought down the football baobab that Argentina symbolised.
When in the opener of this world football bonanza, François Omam Biyick in a crushing header slotted in the lone goal of that game, it was, and it is, the dawn of Cameroonian football epic heroism. The Confederation Cup billed for France come June will provide another history-making setting. By fate, Cameroon will open their campaign against reigning world champions, Brazil alongside with Turkey and the United States of America. When Cameroon last met Brazil in Sydney 2002, it was fire for fire. The Lions opened scores and by what some analysts called « … the improvised foul of the German referee, » the Brazilians equalised from a penalty spot during the semi-final game. The 1-1 tie carried both teams into extra time and a 112th minute goal of Mbami Modeste qualified Cameroon for the final where they lifted the gold medal. Still in Sydney 2000, the United States of America pulled a 1-1 draw with the reigning champions. Indeed, a silver lining for the USA hitherto little fancied in world soccer. By World Cup 2002 standing, Cameroon looks the somewhat « underdogs » of group « B ». Turkey left the competition with the third world ranking as 25th position occupant, Cameroon was knocked out during the first round of the quarter finals of the World Cup competition. By every indication, the Indomitable Lions got a below the performance. This is worsened by a 3-0 defeat inflicted on the African champions by Côte d’Ivoire in the Châteauroux friendly. Getting into the Confederation Cup competition against a backdrop of somewhat battered reputation, the Indomitable Lions will be seeking to reassert their identity. It is commonplace for the squad that had built a tradition of reconciling with fans when hope is nearly lost. Head-coach, Winfred Schafer is expected to fine-tune his strategy to erect the winning spirit that characterises the team.
Joe TIEMUNCHO
