13 February 2002
The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon has conceeded that their win against Senegal in the just concluded African Nations Cup final was one of their toughest ever in the continental football championship.
Reflecting after the match, which ended in a penalty shoot-out, Patrick Suffo said Senegal were a difficult side, who pushed them every step of the way.
"It was a difficult match because the Senegalese players didn't leave anything for us," said Suffo.
"We missed chances and it was a real fight to get near the goal.
"It was hard for Senegal to lose like that in a penalty shoot out. Our own secret was that we were calm before each kick."
Suffo scored Cameroon's first penalty after Wome missed their opening kick.
"I didn't feel my legs for half a minute after Wome missed and Ferdinand Coly scored for the Senegalese.
Etame Mayer told me to concentrate and do it just like we are at training.
"After extra-time, Schafer asked who wanted to kick, I said I would go first but Wome said no."
Etame said Senegal were good final opponents and he praised them for their performance in the tournament as a whole. It was the fifth time in Nations Cup history that the final was decided by penalties.
Three of those have been played by Cameroon: in 1986 when they finished runners up to Egypt, 2000 against Nigeria and 2002 and the Mali 2002 against Senegal.(ACONS)
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