Push has come to shove for Gambia and Cameroon at AFCON 2023. Defeat for either will spell the end of their adventure in Ivory Coast. Desh Parthab previews.
AFCON 2023
Match 29 – Gambia v Cameroon
Tuesday 23 January | 19:00
With reports of a feud emerging between Cameroon FA president Samuel Eto’o and goalkeeper Andre Onana, you have to wonder if the Manchester United shot-stopper’s inclusion in the squad and exclusion from their opener was justified.
To Win Match
Gambia 5/1 | Draw 21/10 | Cameroon 6/10
Two defeats from as many games means that Gambia are rooted to the foot of Group C before they clash with Cameroon. Their toothless performances against Senegal and Guinea respectively mean that they come into their clash with Cameroon as the only nation yet to find the back of the net at AFCON 2023.
Yankuba Minteh has come the closest for The Scorpions. Against Guinea, the teenage substitute (currently on loan at Feyenoord, from Newcastle United) thought he drew his country level in the closing stages of the clash only for the goal to be ruled offside. Indeed, they failed to register a shot on target throughout the encounter.
Despite not opening their account at the tournament, there is still a chance of progression. They will need a victory against five-time champions Cameroon if they are to throw their hat in the qualification ring. Albeit, it will be with the hope of them progressing as one of the four best third-placed teams at the African showpiece.
Cameroon are under the spotlight, but for all the wrong reasons. Before the start of AFCON, goalkeeper Andre Onana grabbed the headlines as Manchester United and the Cameroon FA reportedly agreed that their player would partake in the Red Devils’ Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur and then jet off to the Ivory Coast, to feature for his nation within 24 hours.
Upon arrival, he was excluded from their Matchday 1 squad, which fueled rumours of a rift between the squad and the hierarchy. The 27-year-old was back in goal for Cameroon’s blockbuster clash with Senegal, however, it was a performance that left much to be desired from the shot-stopper.
Cameroon were left licking their wounds after Senegal dispatched them 3-1 in their second runout. The Lions of Teranga confirmed their place in the knockout round of the competition with that victory leaving the Indomitable Lions languishing in third place.
Verdict: Camerron 6/10
Cameroon are coming under scrutiny and will need a strong result here. Gambia simply don’t have the goal threat to seriously challenge five-time champions.
