AFCON 2023: Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in tight race against Scorpions of Gambia

Posted : 22 January 2024

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon are now in a tight-fitted race against chances as they face an uphill task in a must-win match against a team that has been unlucky so far in the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Scorpions of Gambia. The Rigobert Song-taught side is in a precarious situation, especially with their fumbling, overrated goalkeeper, Andre Onana, who has not been stable in between the sticks for the four-time winners of the AFCON.

For the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, it will be a shame not to qualify from a group they could have shared with the Teranga Lions of Senegal, owing to the fact that history has favoured them to be one of Africa's major forces in the AFCON. After winning their first tournament in 1984, Cameroon emerged and became a fearsome power in the tournament, winning it again in 2000 and 2002.

The 2017 tournament was the last tournament to date Cameroon has won, and now the country has it all to do against Gambia if they are to keep their Africa Cup of Nations dreams alive. The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon have unfortunately been able to pick up just one point thus far and are facing the prospect of an early AFCON exit, especially with the 3-1 drubbing in the hands of the defending champions, Senegal, and a 1-1 draw against Guinea.

While the unfortunate defeat to star studded Senegal on Friday puts the team on the brink and also sees them trail Guinea by three points, putting major pressure on their clash against The Gambia after Guinea have done the needful by beating the latter. For the Scorpions of Gambia, they have nothing to lose as they have yet to put a point on the board but can approach this as something of a free hit, so they can afford to do some damage.

For the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, the defender must watch out for Newcastle loanee Yankuba Minteh, who is one of the standout players for Gambia and could also start Hamza Barry in midfield. He has contributed significantly to the team, and he will be looked to as the player to provide the spark in this one.

However, the tamed Lions of Cameroon are battling over the fitness of star striker Vincent Aboubakar, who has missed their opening two games so far. The 2021 AFCON Golden Boot winner has yet to be cleared for this crunch fixture. If Aboubakar is not available, the Indomitable Lions will once again look to Frank Magri to lead the line alongside Georges-Kevin N'Koudou.

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon must fight as the Lions if they are to make a final push for qualification for the knockout rounds of the Africa Cup of Nations when they take on Gambia. The Scorpions of Gambia have no injury concerns heading into this match and are likely to put out their strongest 11 as they look to secure a win and possibly sneak into the conversation for a best-third-placed qualification spot.

AFCON 2023: Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in tight race against Scorpions of Gambia

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