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Edito : Valorous Feat (01.07.2003)
The Lions’ brilliant qualification that came with the painful loss of a talented colleague and compatriot, Marc Vivien Foe could vindicate any unpleasant surprise from the champions of Africa at Sunday’s finals of the Confederation Cup.
If they entered the French stadium in black jerseys, made the sign of the cross, and walked out, or simply stayed in their hotel singing "this world is not my home,…" and "God be with you till we meet again", they would have lacked no supporters of their memorial solemnities. But that would neither have been Cameroonian, nor emblematic of the spirit of sportsmanship, football maturity, and diplomatic shrewdness for which our country, Cameroon is known.
In respect of the norms of civilisation, and international competitions, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, entered the French stadium in tears, but played with courage, love for their country and in honour of their departed kinsman, Marc Vivien Foe.
Having qualified for the finals without conceding a single goal, the Lions, despite the shock and consternation of last Thursday, made it through the 90 minutes of the thrilling final,
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andonly conceded their first goal in the tournament at the 7th minute of extra time. What a performance by a squad in grief! What a lesson for sport fans and fellow citizens of a nation in dire need of professionals with total commitment to national objectives!
We congratulate the French national squad on their victory, and salute their decision to dedicate the coveted trophy to the fallen "lion" of Cameroon, Marc Vivien Foe who indeed has not fallen, but in fact, left the stage of football the great way in a great competition watched by millions.
As Cameroonians await the arrival of the champions of Africa after an impressive performance in France, and the return of the remains of a talented compatriot, the challenge to all supporters of our national team, and sympathizers with the Foe family, is to support in words and action the sporting ideals for which our departed kinsman, Foe and his colleagues have sacrificially stood.
In the words of President Paul Biya, the exhortation for us all, is CONTINUE sincerely with all that which brings honour to the land of our forefathers, the generations of today, and those of tomorrow.
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