ACTUALITE |
22.01.2008
Indomitable Lions Tipped Favourites
Book makers say they are a strong force to reckon with in the competition.
Four days after arriving Kumasi-Ghana, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, are putting final touches for tomorrow’s encounter against Egypt. They have been training twice a day with much emphasis on the offensive play style where Eto’o Fils, Job Joseph Desire and Tumou Bertin have been revising their goal poaching lessons. At the midfield, focus has been on ball recuperation and cohesion, while at the defence, Captain Song and colleagues spend time mapping out strategies aimed at puncturing any assaults from the Egyptians. The close to one hour training yesterday was hitch-free, but for Stephane Mbia who sustained a minor injury on his right leg and could not complete the training session.
Their training ground at Wesley College has been a centre of attraction for most inhabitants in Kumasi with at least 20,000 spectators scrambling to get a glimpse of the four times African champions. Prominent among these spectators are members of Eto’o fan club based in Ghana and other neighbouring countries. Dressed in white t-shirts and carrying placards on which they have written praise messages in honour of their darling idol, the youngster as early as 6.a.m everyday throng the Georgia Hotel where the Lions have been lodged. The 3- Star Georgia Hotel in Ashanti is an edifice for renowned international events. Apart from the fact that it is located several kilometres from the hustling and bustling activities of Kumasi town, it has a very magnificent esplanade where the players can relax after and before training sessions or matches.
It is at the right side of the esplanade that coach Otto Pfister, who is not a newcomer in Ghana, found time to sit and concentrate on tomorrow’s encounter. Asked on the state of mind of the players, the German born trainer said: “The players are morally and physically in good shape. After two days of training twice a day since arriving Kumassi, the team will henceforth train once a day. This is to enable the players have much time to recuperate and watch other matches.” Otto Pfister, permanently smoking, was later joined by the Minister of Sports and Physical Education Augustin Edjoa who called around to make sure everything is on track.
It should be noted that, book makers in Ghana and Kumasi in particular have tipped the Lions as one of the two teams to pick the two second round tickets in group C. They say the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, though under restructuring, are capable of creating sensation. “They don’t only know how to roar in their den, but look inciting, intriguing and dangerous in the pitch”. Reports a Ghanaian local newspaper “Daily Graphic”.
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Hits: 1 | Source:cameroon-tribune.cm | |
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