With reports citing a feud between Cameroon FA president Samuel Eto and goalkeeper Andre Onana filtering to the squad, you have to wonder if the Manchester United’s shot stoppers inclusion in the squad and exclusion from their opener was justified …
To win (90 min)
Gambia 5/1
Draw 21/10
Cameroon 6/10
GAMBIA
Two defeats from as many games means that Gambia are rooted to the foot of Group C, before their clash with Cameroon. Their toothless performances against Senegal and Guinea respectively means that they come into their clash with Cameroon as the only nation yet to find the back of the net at AFCON.
Yankuba Minteh has come the closest for The Scorpions. Against Guinea, the teenage substitute (currently on loan at Feyenoord, from Newcastle United) thought he drew his country level in the closing stages of the clash only for the goal to be ruled offside. Indeed, they failed to register a shot on target throughout the encounter.
Despite not opening their account at the tournament, there is still a chance of progression Head coach, Tom Saintfiet, will need a victory against five-time champions Cameroon if they are to throw their hat in the qualification ring. Albeit, it will be with the hope of them progressing as one of the four best third-placed teams at the African showpiece.
CAMEROON
Cameroon are under the spotlight, but for all the wrong reasons. Prior to the start of AFCON, goalkeeper Andre Onana grabbed the headlines as Manchester United and the Cameroon FA reportedly agreed that their player would partake in the Red Devils’ fixture against Tottenham Hotspur and then jet off to the Ivory Coast, to feature for his nation within 24 hours.
Upon arrival, he was excluded from their Matchday 1 squad, which fueled rumours of a rift between the squad and the hierarchy. The twenty-seven year old was back in goal for Cameroon’s blockbuster clash with Senegal, however, it was a performance that left much to be desired from the shot stopper.
Cameroon were left licking their wounds after Senegal dispatched them 3-1 in their second run out. Indeed, the Lions of Teranga confirmed their place in the knockout rounds of the competition, with that victory, leaving the Indomitable Lions languishing in third place.
PREDICTION: Cameroon
Cameroon are coming under scrutiny and will need a strong result here. Looking to their opponents in this one, Saintfiet opted for five changes to his starting XI last time out. I think Cameroon will capitalise on another selection overhaul.
Written by Desh Parthab