Indomitable Lions in dire need!

The indomitable lions of Cameroon are heads up following their easy ride over Kuwait during an international friendly played on Sunday 25th March, 2018, in Kuwait City. 

Yes, history now holds that 5-time AFCON winners inflicted Kuwait by 3 goals to one. However, pundits are looking beyond the victory, believing that there is more to it than meets the eye. First and foremost, Cameroon have won just 9 matches out of 26 games since March 2016. After defeating Egypt 2-1 in February 2017 to lift the Africa Cup of Nations trophy, Roger Milla’s nation has managed just 4 victories in 12 previous outings. 

The unappetizing performances stem from three factors: lack of a consistent tactic, the goal-scoring problem and getting a reliable squad of familiar faces. These cracks were seriously exposed during the 4-0 loss to Nigeria on September 1, 2017 in Uyo, for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, and the 4-0 defeat by Colombia on the 13th of June.

Though they won, Sunday’s encounter with Kuwait left analysts with several talking points. Firstly, there was confusion among three midfielders namely Siani, Tawamba and Moukandjo. Secondly, only 3 goals were scored despite the many chances created. In fact the team has netted just 13 goals in 12 previous games conceding 20.

Again, there is chronic inconsistency in the defensive compartment of the African champions. Months back we saw Ngandeu, Teikeu, Fai, and Oyongo. Later on Ernest Mabouka, Serge Leuko, Castelleto, Nouhu Tolo, Yaya Banana and Alphonse Tientcheu come into the picture. Today, Alan Nyom is back, Bong Lionel introduced, and some fans still clamouring for the return of Liverpool’s Joel Matip.

The same fruitless recycling is plaguing the frontline. From Ndip Tambe, to Jean Pierre Nsame, Messi Bouli, Moumi Ngamaleu, Frantz Pangop and so on, yet the equation of goals remains unsolved.  That is probably why Mr Hugo Broos’ contract was not renewed. 

From every indication the technical bench has been gambling over results, and the worst may befall them if the exact formula is not found. At this juncture, what is primordial is not the fact that the post Hugo Broos period started with a win, but establishing a formidable squad that can withstand all odds.