Two four time champions, Ghana and Cameroun are set to slug it for the second and final slot for the finals of Gabon AFCON 2017. It promises to be all football matches should be – breathtaking, pay, exciting and full of goals.
Personally, I like the look of the teams. Ghana has a blend of youth and experience while Cameroun boasts of disciplined youthfulness. These two are powerhouses as far as African football is concerned and they do know their ways around each other; at least in AFCON.
The Indomitable Lions have met the Black Stars on four different occasions in past AFCONS. They each have a win and two draws apiece. So, pundits can conclude that ‘there is nothing between’ these sides. But I beg to differ!
Cameroun was the architect of Ghana’s exit at this same stage of the competition nine years ago. And that was an unexpected result as majority of analyst and pundits believed that the Black Stars had a better team and should win. There is also a strong rivalry in the past regarding the index ratings of star power. From the glorious days of Roger Milla to the illustrious Abedi ‘Pele’ Ayew to African favourite Samuel Eto O Fils and powerful Michael Essien; Cameroun and Ghana have never been two much farther apart in African football influence. As a matter of fact; the two countries ‘connived’ in the past to deny Nigeria a more creditable rating than the three AFCON trophies the Super Eagles have in their shelves.
Critical Points
Lacking in star power, the Indomitable Lions are young, cohesive, mobile and confident. Their confidence gained propelled momentum when they knocked out arguably the best team at this tournament; the Teranga Lions of Senegal through a nerve wrecking penalty shootout. Less than 20% of fans and analysts gave them any chance of going through but they did and they could hold their heads high for giving a very good account of themselves.
This singular feat will propel them forward against the Black Stars who are sometimes self-destructive. With little or no opposition; Ghana has failed several times in the past to make it count when it mattered most. The most recent example was AFCON 2015 finals where they had Cote d’Ivoire well marshaled only to allow the match drag into extra time and the eventually penalties that culminated in their loss.
Will the Black Stars; who certainly have more experienced players in their fold do the needful by getting one over the Camerounians? The answer may lie in the availability of Asamoah Gyan and the ‘turn up’ of Andre Ayew in this crucial encounter.
It sure looks like Ghana’s match to lose but football is hardly straight forward. Just remember that Senegal against all predictions were knocked out and the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire are expected to be here.
One more thing; I am beginning to think that Fabrice Ondoa’s name is written on the AFCON 2017 trophy – don’t hound me; it’s just a thought!
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