Can 2008 Update : Cameroon Vs Tunisia

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon have steadily grown in stature and gameplay since that opening game defeat at the hands of the Pharaohs of Egypt. This time, they face another North African foe that plays almost the same pattern as the Egyptians, and the Lions know that a loss here will mean a tournament exit.

The Lions have made easy meat of their last two opponents at the competition, trouncing the Chipolopolo boys of Zambia 5-1, and Eto’o breaking the all-time goal scoring record in the 3-0 victory over Sudan. Truthfully, though, they have not given a particularly strong performance in any of those matches.

The Cameroonians have had a quiet build up coming into this championship, unlike other editions where they were always touted amongst the favorites to lift the trophy. Indeed, they have been somewhat in the shadows of the likes of Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, and even Senegal.

This silent entry could be a tactical approach that could see the Lions entering into the finals “unnoticed”.

They would, however, have to get by the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia first.

The Tunisians come into this game as Group D leaders; a group that included the highly fancied Senegalese, Perreira’s South Africa and the strong Angolans. The Carthage Eagles were able to ward off all opposition from these teams to top the group.

The side has improved steadily as the tournament progressed and coach Roger Lemerre, who had come under serious criticisms coming into this championship, will be confident about his side’s chances ahead of this one.

These two sides are giants in African football - in the past four editions of the tournament, these two countries can account for three trophies. But the Cameroonians have failed to make it past the quarter-final stage in the last two editions, while the Tunisians could not in the last edition. This game would see one of them improving on their recent performance in the competition.

TEAM NEWS

Cameroon

The Lions will be have a full house for this game as they do not have injury worries, so I expect coach Otto Pfister to field a very strong side for this one.

Espanyol goalkeeper Carlos Idris Kameni should be in goal for the Lions.

The defensive line will be held by the “father” of Cameroonian football, Rigobert Song, alongside German-based defender Timothee Atouba, Reading’s Andre Bikey and Joel Epalle.

The midfield should be bossed by Newcastle’s Geremi Njitap, with support from Modeste Mbami, Alexandre Song and Achille Emana.

All-time ANC leading goal scorer Samuel Eto’o Fils would hope to extend his goal scoring tally today, and he would pair up with Joseph desire Job of Nice.

Coach Otto Pfister will line his wards out in a 4-4-2 formation for this game.

Tunisia

The Tunisians will probably be playing a mixed line up from two of their games played so far. They would most likely field the defence that played against the Teranga Lions of Senegal, with the attack line that devastated the South Africans.

That means Chermiti would be relegated back to the bench for Toulouse striker Santos. Medhi Nafti could miss this game: there are rumours that the player had a reoccurrence of an injury that left him out of the team’s opening game against Senegal.

The impressive Ben Fraj could also be left out of the starting line-up for the Tunisians in today’s game.

As for those who do play, in goal for the Tunisians should be Hamdi Kasraoui of Esperance.

The defence will be marshaled by Birmingham City’s Radhi Jaidi, alongside Karim Haggui of German club Bayer Leverkusen.

Radhouane Feldi of Etoile du Sahel and Wissem Bekri of Esperance would complete the back line for the Tunisians.

The midfield should expectedly be held by Joawhar M’Nari, Yassine Mikari, Medji Traore and Chaouki Ben Saada of Bastia in France.

Toulouse striker Francileudo dos Santos will pair with the highly talented Yassine Chikhaoui in attack for the Tunisians.

The Tunisians would also file out in a 4-4-2 formation pattern for this game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Cameroon -Samuel Eto’o Fils: The Cameroonian striker has been in devastating form in this tournament, battering in five goals in only three matches so far. He will be the star man for the Indomitable Lions as they attempt to reach the semi finals for the first time in 6 years.

Tunisia - Francileudo dos Santos: The Toulouse man has been under-fire since his inclusion in Roger Lemerre’s squad, but a brace in his second game against South Africa has justified the striker's place in the team. He would be the man the Tunisians will look towards for the goals in today’s game.

PREDICTION

This game is going to be a fast-paced encounter as both teams have very pacey forwards. The Cameroonians have so far not been able to coordinate their midfield properly in the tournament, though, and this could count against them in this match.

However, they have the physical stamina to play on for a longer period than the Tunisians.

Whoever can keep up with the fast pace of the game up till the mid stages of the second period should carry the day. My best bet will be the Cameroonians for this one.

Cameroon 2:1 Tunisia