ACTUALITE |
03.02.2004
Indomitable get on, in spite difficult game
Martin Etonge in Monastir
The Indomitable have managed taken a second round ticket in spite having a virgin tie against Egypt in their last Group C game in Monastir.
With 5 points, from two draws and one win, the Lions finished just one point above Algeria who lost 1-2 to Zimbabwe in the other group game. Algeria came through above Egypt who equally had 4 points, thanks to their 2-1 win over Egypt in the group game.
But the Cameroon side failed to convince fans against, according to Patrick Mboma, in a game which they could take home because of the fragility of the opponents.
“A little quality was lacking in our side, but we achieved the essential. That is qualifying for the quarter finals”; Mboma said after the game.
“The game (against Egypt) was a very difficult one. But remember that we have to qualify first for the next round before looking at the style of our game. Now that we are into the last eight teams, we hope our progress will be stable right through”.
Both teams opened up show by observing one another and too much of tactical calculations frustrated fans of a great game. Every thing remained in the midfield where Modest Mbami and Eric Djemba lost too many balls.
However, Cameroon hard the first chances before the Pharaohs of Egypt took an edge. By half time observers could conclude that the Egyptians failed to take the game against an unimpressive Cameroon.
Second half substitutions in both sides did not improve on the spectacle. Cameroon’s head coach Winfried Schaefer substituted Mboma for Idrissou in the 63rd minute. The Egyptian bench weas very elated by it. Mboma was certainly the only player to frighten them.
But the Pharaohs refused to make capital out of the situation, even the eventual substitution of Samuel Eto’s with Pius Ndiefi. And the game sluggishly came to an end. Egypt failed to take revenge over Cameroon for the quarter finals elimination two years ago in Mali.
Reactions:
Samuel Eto’o
“It was quite a deferent game from others, really difficult for us. But we are unperturbed, especially as we have qualified for the second round. We are doing well in the tournament as there is nothing really to worry about. We shall continue to play tour football, hoping that it takes us through to the final”.
Winfried Schaefer
“I substituted Mboima and Eto’o because I realised they were not in great shape. There was no panic because their replacements did a good job. We are looking ahead for our next opponents”.
Bidoung Mpkatt, youth and sport minister (Cameroon)
“We have told our players that the competition is getting more complex and urged them to be more determined to fight on. We are used to difficult situations and we shall continue to work hard to attain our objectives”.
Hossam ‘Mido’ Ahmed
“To have a draw with Cameroon is a good result. Unfortunately, we needed to win to get through. We were not strong for that. It is a big disappointment for me to leave the tournament without scoring a goal. I will return to my club Marseille to continue the season”.
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