Lions yet to find their feet
MISSION: CAMEROON MUST DO BETTER IN FRONT OF GOAL IF THEY ARE TO GO FAR IN AFCON
Aboubakar could be the answer against Guinea-Bissau.
Ashort distance from the Stade L’Amite in Libreville lies the tiny Eto’o Fils bar, a tribute to the legendary Barcelona and Cameroonian striker. The Indomitable Lions are well supported in Gabon, with a large Cameroonian population, and they were in good voice on Saturday in the capital’s stadium, as the Indomitable Lions took on Burkina Faso in their Africa Cup of Nations Group A opener.
Cameroon could have done with a striker of Sameul Eto’o’s calibre, as they played well but failed to put the Stallions to bed, having to settle for a 1-1 draw. The current generation of Cameroon players do not quite have the pedigree of an Eto’o, though there is still plenty of talent coming through. Seven of Cameroon’s Europe-based players turned down the chance to play in Gabon, including Liverpool defender Joel Matip, Ajax Amsterdam goalkeeper Andre Onana and Marseille midfielder Andre Zambo Anguissa.
But the Indomitable Lions made light work at times of their absentees – Sevilla reserve keeper Joseph Ondoa was excellent between the poles, captain and midfielder Benjamin Moukando netted a brilliant freekick, while Christian Bassogog, who plays for Aalborg in Denmark, was a revelation on the right wing.
Bassogog did waste a glorious chance to put Cameroon 2-0 up before halftime, however, and if they are to add a fifth Africa Cup of Nations title to their cabinet, Cameroon will have to do better in front of goal.
“We had so many opportunities, the only thing we needed was someone to put the ball into the net,” said coach Hugo Broos afterwards. “You cannot say we played badly, we dominated that match.”
Vincent Aboubakar, formerly of Porto and now of Besiktas, could be the answer for them against Guinea-Bissau tomorrow.
Gabon fans, meanwhile, are hoping that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang provides them with answers as they hope to go far in their own Africa Cup of Nations.
The Borussia Dortmund striker is in incredible form in the Bundesliga this season, and opened the Black Panthers’ account in Libreville on Saturday, though they ended up in a disappointing 1-1 draw with tournament debutants Guinea-Bissau.
Aubameyang’s overall display was rather sloppy – as captain of the side he did not lead from the front, except when he arrived to tap in the opening goal.