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Lion`s Chances : Slim But ... (29.03.2005)
The setting was the Yaounde main stadium and the apple of discord, the double qualifier for Cup of Nations and World Cup 2006. Pitted against the Lions were the Falcons of Sudan. In football parlance, it was said to be an uneven combat that almost took the colourings of the biblical David versus Goliath skirmish. On paper, the Falcons are rated feather weights and are not even cited in the FIFA classifications. The Indomitable Lions on the other hand are a colossus in the Continent and on the frontline of World ratings. Five time participants in a FIFA World Cup and four times winners of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Lions are a veritable trail blazer in African football. Playing in their den, the Lions had the favours of bookmakers whose for cast gave them the advantage of a basket of goals. With a new head coach of outstanding credentials, a modern administrative outfit and a top rate medical arsenal at their disposal, the Lions now have all it takes to pluck objectives. The encounter against the Falcons last Sunday was seen by many as a testing ground, sort of dress rehearsal for more rigorous outings against Cote D’Ivoire and Egypt down the road.
Many expected the Lions’ roar to send the Falcons scampering for cover, creating an opening for a floodgate of goals in the image of Tunisia and Senegal a day earlier. Senegal blasted Liberia 6-1 and Tunisia nailed Malawi 7-0. In the estimation of many, Eto’o Fils and the Lions were to perform a similar feat in their home turf and send a loud and clear message to future adversaries, that the Lion is awake and set to maul even the Elephant. It was not to be, the Falcons fought every rich of the way and
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came close to pulling the rug under the feat of the Lions. Achille Webo provided the much needed three vital points for the Lions at extra time. Inspite this victory, many fans went home with soar tastes in their mouths. The performance of the Lions left much to be desired and obvious cracks were discernible on the football Atlas of the Continent. Inspite of the presence of a glittering array of professionals including the best scorer in one of Europe’s top leagues, the Falcons held their ground. Their position at the nadir of group three notwithstanding, the collection of amateurs from Khartoum held their fort and defied the Lions’ roar.
The Achilles heel of the Indomitable Lions last Sunday was a midfield that failed to anticipate actions of adversaries. Reminiscences of Marc Vivien Foe and Etame Mayer at the mid-field draws parallels between the Lion spirit of yesteryears and what appears to be on the ground today. At the frontline, the offensive reflexes appear to tally with a conscious effort not to take risk and therefore protect limbs. There were no daring onslaughts, no actions comparable to those which fetched the Teranga Lions six fetile goals in Dakar last Saturday. At the defence line, there were obvious lapses pegged on age and exhaustion, a situation that provides any fleet footed attacker an opportunity to outsmart any ambush. Overall, something has to be done to resuscitate the legendary spirit of the Lion. Achille Webo emitted some sparkles at the tail end of combat period. It is expected that in the remaining four matches, the rising stakes will rattle the Lion and set its claws in the right posture for the final roar to World Cup 2006.
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