Fred Vubem
9 October 2009
Victory against Gabon will have no meaning should the Lions fail to deliver against Togo.
At the on set of the third phase qualifiers for the 2010 world Cup in South Africa, many Cameroonians were confident that Cameroon was going to have an easy walk over the other opponents of the group. However, with the Indomitable Lions obtaining only one point after two matches, this confidence gave way to doubt as the prospects for qualification became bleak.
That notwithstanding, the Lions turned the tables in their next two outings against the Panthers of Gabon, moving from underdogs to group leaders. With the victory against Gabon hopes were rekindled about an eventual qualification of the Lions for South Africa 2010. To sustain this new spirit of optimism, the lions must win against Togo next Saturday as the three teams in the group still have a chance to make it to South Africa. Failure to obtain victory will once more plunge Cameroonians into doubt whereas victory will great increase the chances of qualifying for the 2010 world Cup. In case of victory for the Lions, Cameroon’s fate could be determined next Saturday at the end of the 5th and last but one day of play. Victory against Togo and victory for Morocco against Gabon will automatically qualify the Lions for the 2010 world Cup.
Whatever the scenario, Cameroon must win against Togo before waiting to know whether they are qualified or will have to go and grab qualification from Morocco on the last day of play. In case of victory and no matter whether the outcome of the other encounter favours Gabon, a mere draw on the last day of play will be enough to enable Cameroon sail through to the final round of the competition.
The pride of the Lions is at stake and failure to confirm their regained form against Togo, will portray the victory achievements of the last two days of play as mere luck or compare it to a strike of a stick of match in darkness which glows and quickly dies out other than the candle which burns for long. More so, Cameroon has an axe to grind with Togo since the stunning defeat in Ghana. So in addition to the stakes of the match which is qualification, the match smacks of revenge for the Lions against the Hawks. The Indomitable Lions have to enable Cameroonians forget about the sad memories of 2006 when Cameroon did the most difficult by beating Cote d’Ivoire in Abidjan but failed to beat Egypt at home and were thereby butted out of the competition.
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