Cameroon v Egypt

(Apologies for the delay. Intentions are only as good as the time allowed to accomplish them.)

Tomorrow kicks off the African Cup O’ Nations for the Indomitable Lions when they’re given the unenviable task of opening play against the defending champions, Egypt. The Lions go into the game headstrong, buoyed by the presence of (recently) oft-injured Samuel Eto’o. If recent club form is any indication, the Lions are in optimal hands, as Papa Eto’o has scored 6 goals in his last 6 games, including 2 braces. In short: he’s en fuego. You could say that he’s peaking, but that’d be grossly misleading. He’s just that good.

Egypt heads into the tournament missing two of its better players in Hossam Ghaly, who is putting imminent relegation with Derby before country, and Mido, who is busy being a bitch somewhere else. (Roma fan here.) And honestly, I can’t decide whether this is good or bad. Neither are known for being “team” players, and to me, that’s what international tournaments are all about. So for my money, Egypt may be better off without them.

The Lions Lineup:

Superstud Idriss Kameni will patrol the pipes, and he’s easily one of the best keepers at the games. I’d be willing to bet a scout or two from The Artist Formerly Known As G14 will be in the stands.

The backline is headed emotionally by Rigobert Song, captain of well over 100 caps, and uncle to teammate and Arsenal phenom Alexandre Song. Steady hand Geremi will prolly take the RB spot. Thimothee Atouba finds himself at LB while Andre Bikey (who has been increasingly impressive from what I’ve seen at Reading) and Andre Binya will likely round out the back 4 (Bikey being the heavy favorite). Unfortunately, 2 of those names, Atouba and Binya, have recently been known for savage challenges (Binya’s was plain inexcusable) than anything else. For a position which doesn’t boast a ton of depth, that’s a worry in case they find themselves in trouble.

In midfield it’s all about the French-based players. Jean Makoun is going to do some work in front of the back, while Marseille fella Modeste M’bami will team up to direct the orchestra. Achille Emana will probably add another body to form a ‘take no prisoners’ midfield approach with Makoun, while Stephane Mbia, Alexandre Song, Joel Epalle, Alain Nkong and even Geremi can slot in somewhere. This one, without having seen Cameroon play in a couple years, is tough to say.

Up top it’s all about the man, the myth, the legend, Samuel Eto’o. It’s tough to say as he goes this team goes, because there’s a lot of talent around him, but he is capable of bringing any team in the world - club or international - to an entirely different level. He’ll score some goals during the tournament, that’s for sure.

Keys

To start off the tournament, it’s pretty much about getting into form quickly and setting the tone. There are two ways to do that, emotionally and physically. Two men do the former, while a pairing can do the latter.

Emotionally: Rigobert Song & Samuel Eto’o.

Song is the undisputed leader of the team, the captain, and a guy who can play a bit too, having been voted the best defender in Turkey last season. Andre Bikey sums it up:

“He constantly talks and advises. And the younger guys grew up watching him playing in the World Cup and lifting trophies on TV, so playing with him gives us unbelievable confidence.”

He will lead on and off the field; and during a tournament, that can never be emphasized enough.

Everyone knows what Eto’o is going to bring to the table: goals. And there is absolutely nothing, not even Song’s words, which can uplift a team like the scoreboard. Yes, he is a great talent with the ball, but he also has the power to make this team believe in destiny.

Physical: Jean Makoun and Achille Emana.

I’m always a fan of commanding the midfield, especially with physical bruisers who make getting into the backfield a task all in itself. While Cameroon is no Mali, with Mahamouda Diarra and Momo Sissoko, they still have two guys who can take command of the area and rough up a dude or two. Both bring more, much more, to the equation, but they can set the tone and that’s crucial.

Prediction.:. 1-0 Cameroon (Eto’o 57′)

I think Cameroon has a little to much on the physical side, and Eto’o is just a difference maker. And a stud. Just a big stud.

Check the front page where a Liveblog will be up and a lot of commentary.

ALLEZ LES LIONS