Cameroon V Gabon: Cameroon Lions set for attack as hosts Gabon seek fastest route to safety

Cameroon's midfielder Sebastien Siani celebrates with Cameroon's forward Vincent Aboubakar (L) after scoring a goal during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group A football match between Cameroon and Guinea-Bissau at the Stade de l'Amitie Sino-Gabonaise in Libreville on January 18, 2017. / AFP PHOTO

Minutes are ticking away and pressure is building ahead of tonight’s 10pm last Group A match between Cameroon and Gabon.

Having drawn in their previous two matches, hosts Gabon know all too well that nothing short of victory tonight will mark the end of their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations journey.

While on their part, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon lead the four-team group and will be happy to emerge as pool winners, for a possible ‘weaker’ opponent in the quarterfinal pairing.

Surrounded by hungry and angry fans, hosts Gabon have not been at their best and they know it. Their fans have been arriving at the Stade de l’Amitie in droves, all happy and expectant, but leaving with long and gloomy faces.

And going by their opponents’ form, you will see those faces for a while.

Buoyed by their massive support, Gabon have an upper hand, but the Indomitable Lions will have say-so over The Panthers, but they need to stay away from any form of distraction.

Joseph Antoine Bell, former Cameroon legend goalkeeper, says Gabon should have every reason to worry. While acknowledging Gabon’s strength and support of the country, he believes Cameroon might still win.

“With no doubt, Gabon are better placed ahead of this match. They have all the support any team would wish for. But they should also know Cameroon is not an easy side. They should not underestimate us,” the legend said.

“I do not expect Cameroon to fold their tails and wait for defeat. They will fight to the end. The Gabonese should expect a tough match.”
The 62-year-old Bell, former Olympique Marseille captain, said Cameroon’s form is enviable.

“They are fighting hard and that is what matters in any football tournament. You must take your chances and make them count. That is what makes great teams,” he said.

You know, the mouth of an elderly man is without teeth, but never without words of wisdom. And it is from such wisdom that Cameroon coach Hugo Broos will want to draw some inspiration when faced with the Gabonese hurdle.

“We will not focus on getting just one point from this match. We must and will go after maximum points. That is our goal,” he said.

If football was like marriage, then that of Gabon coach Jose Antonio Camacho must be on the rocks by now. He has tried out all tricks to spice it up, but with no success. After two rounds of Group A matches, his team has just two points.