Cameroon have appointed football legend Samuel Eto’o as it’s head of their football federation. The all-time leading goal scorer of the AFCON tournament has shaken things up since being appointed the reigns and is not afraid to make the big decisions. Only time will tell if his on pitch heroics will work off it!
To win (90 min)
Cameroon 21/20
Draw 17/10
Guinea 28/10
CAMEROON
The Indomitable Lions will kickstart their Africa Cup of Nations journey against Guinea on Monday 15 January. Cameroon is in group C with the defending champions Senegal and Gambia.
They are undoubtedly the stronger side in this clash and are expected to come out gun blazing to occupy the number one spot and qualify top of the group.
Besiktas’ striker Vincent Aboubakar who impressed in the 2022 World Cup, scoring two goals and providing an assist is expected to continue with his fine form and secure the win for the Lions.
Manchester United goalkeeper, Andre Onana who will be playing for United on the 14th in their match against Tottenham is expected to fly to Ivory Coast and join Cameroon straight after the game and be on goals for this clash.
GUINEA
Guinea, on the other hand, are the dark horses in the group and the tournament at large. Coach Kaba Diawara assembled a strong squad boasting of Le Havre striker Mohamed Bayo, Leipzig midfielder Ilaix Moriba, and Werder Bremen star who is also the captain Naby Keita to his side for the tournament.
On form, VFB Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy who has been on fire this season scoring 17 goals in 14 matches which is the second highest in the Bundesliga is the man that the Syli Nationals will rely on for goals.
They are coming to this match highly motivated after defeating the African giants Nigeria 2-0 in a friendly match and will be aiming to continue with their winning ways to qualify for the next round.
Head-to-head stats show that Guinea has been getting the better of Cameroon lately, their past two matches have been in favour of the Guinean side, they managed to get a resounding 2-0 victory in their last clash and their meeting before that ended 2-1 in favour of Guinea.
Prediction: Both sides possess strong squads with on-form players who are expected to give it their all to ensure that they qualify ahead of the defending champions Senegal. Cameroon has achieved two wins, suffered two losses and played one draw in their last five matches. While Guinea has managed to get three victories, lost once and secured one draw in their last five matches. I see this clash ending in a draw.
Written by: Siph’esihle Soni