Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions have no margin for error when they return to competitive action on Friday with a FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Mambas of Mozambique at the Japoma Stadium in Douala. Sitting in second place in Group D following their defeat in Abidjan against Cote d’Ivoire, the hosts must win to keep pace with the Elephants with only the group winner advancing to the final round. With a hapless Mozambique side awaiting for a doubleheader, Cameroonian fans will expect not only six points this week but wins by multiple goals. A notable factor that boosts Cameroon for the opening fixture at home is the allowance of 10,000 supporters into the stadium after only having 50 in attendance for the home opener against Malawi.
The Indomitable Lions’ Portuguese manager, António Conceição, stated that he expects a challenge from the Mambas after viewing the video of their performances during the summer’s COSAFA Cup as well as their two previous qualifying games. Conceição pointed out that the team is difficult to break down and plays with a low block, a strategy that worked well in Mozambique’s 0-0 home draw against Cote d’Ivoire. Team leader and key striker Vincent Aboubakar labeled the remainder of the qualifying games as “four finals to win and the first is this Friday”. Aboubakar may be the captain tomorrow, but Conceição refused to declare who will wear the armband, an issue that lurks in the background with Aboubakar and Eric Choupo-Moting the main candidates.
As for Cameroon’s opponents, Mozambique are bigger underdogs than usual this time around due to the unavailability of important players. Veteran center backs Mexer (Girondins Bordeaux) and Zainadine Junior (Maritimo) will be missing with Mexer’s prolonged absence continuing and Junior out due to injury. Al Ahly winger Luis Miquissone will once again be by far the most accomplished attacker and attack-minded wide defender Reinildo Mandava of Lille will be counted on, especially with Portuguese-based wingers Kamo Kamo and Witi also out due to injury. Geny Catamo, a 20-year-old forward who plays for the reserve team of Portuguese giants Sporting, will likely have a chance to prove his talent due to the circumstances.
Check out the links below from Portuguese site A Bola and Cameroonian media for the latest team news.
