-
 Pionnier des portails web sportifs africains.En ligne depuis 2000 ...
 
Actu : Catégories 
Indomitable Lions Bow to the Pharaohs (06.09.2004)
The Egyptian National team yesterday out-played the Indomitable Lions, 3-2.
The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon yesterday bowed to the Pharaohs of Egypt, 3-2 at the Osman Ahmed Osman stadium, Cairo. It was a crucial encounter for both teams. Cameroon needed a victory to maintain its leadership position in Group three, while the Egyptians also needed a win to enable them start dreaming of a place at the 2006 World Cup.
Before, the encounter, the Egyptian press was confident of victory. "The Pharaohs are armed with strong concentration and courage to chase the Lions", the official newspaper, `Al Ahram` said in its Sunday edition. To them, a victory against the Lions was imperative. Coach Winfred Schaffer was aware of this challenge and fielded the best players; those who have been creating sensation in Europe. Eto`o, Tum and Job were on the attack line; Atouba, Mbami and Geremi in the midfield and Tchato, Song, Mettomo and Doumbe at the defence. The "magic team" however failed to shine as they do in their European clubs. The midfield was weak; the attack lacked finishing, while the defence became porous in the latter half of the first and second halves.
Meanwhile, the match started off well for the Lions. Captain song and his mates were full of vigour and with quick precise passes, made several attempts at the Egyptian goal. The Egyptians fought back fiercely and kept goalkeeper Kameni Carlos on his toes. The absence of star players such as Ahmed Hossam,
alias Mido and skipper Hassam Emmam, did not weaken the Egyptian team made up principally of home-based players. The pressure mounted by the Egyptian side paid off at the last minuet of the first half when striker, Mohammed Shawky with a header sent the ball into Carlos kameni`s net for Egypt, one, Cameroon, zero.
The Egyptians came back into the second half more determined than ever. Galvanised by a rowdy crowd, the Egyptians fought their way into the Lions den. Referee Lim Kee Chong, awarded the Egyptians a penalty at the 72nd minute when Captain Song tried to stop one of the Egyptian strikers from causing more havoc to the Cameroonian side. Ahmed Hassan materialised the penalty with a goal. This second goal completely destabilised the Lions. The third goal of the Egyptians by Tarekel Sayed at the 89th minute goal at the 89th minute was a logical consequence of the confusion. The entry of Feutchine to replace Tum, Ndeifi to replace Job and Makoun to replace Mbami at the 65th, 76th and 79th minutes respectively brought in a bit of steam to the Cameroonian side. The team got up from the long slumber and scored two quick goals in three minutes. the first by Tchato at the 45th minute and the second at extra time. Unfortunately, the match ended before the Lions could equalise.
Yesterday’s defeat brings the Lions to the second position in group Three leaving the Elephants of Côte d`Ivoire ahead. Cameroon, Egypt and Libya now occupy the second position with seven points each.
Hits: 8030 | cameroon-tribune.cm | 
| 
| Toutes les ( 0 ) Réactions