CAMEROON’S CHAN: THE GOOD, THE BAD.THE LESSONS !

There was an outburst of frustration and a general illustration of disappointment when hosts, Cameroon, were booted out from the 2020 CHAN tournament at the 1/4 finals. A cross section of the public had invested so much hopes on Martin Ndtoungou Mpilé and his charges when against ail odds they defeated one of the overwhelm favorites, the Democratic Republic of Congo, at the 1/4 finals to book a place in the semi finals.

The Cameroonians had shown great fighting spirit and solidarity during their 1/4 final bout against the Leopards of DR Congo. Fans who had no trust and confidence in the team repented and became diehards.

Unfortunately, Cameroon failed to replicate the fire brand football against the Atlas Lions of Morocco who thrashed them 4-0 in Limbe.

How Cameroonians found the moral fibre to go about their normal activities the next day is a debate for another day.

But before losing to Morocco, the intermediate lions’ started their CHAN expedition on a rather good footing. A 1-0 win over Zimbabwe gave the tone to what would eventually be one of the most dramatic CHAN tournaments ever.

When Cameroon and Mali shared the spoils with a 1-1 draw in their second outing, book makers already predicted it would be a rough ride for the Cameroonians whose attackers had so far fallen short of glory with their infertility in front of goal. Note should be taken that until

goal. Note .should be taken that until now only defender, Salomon Banga Bidjeme, had scored ail two goals for Cameroon.

In their third game against the intermediate stallions of Burkina Faso, Cameroon was impotent in front of goal, and lacked creativity and explosiveness. The team however rekindled fans¹ the romance with their 2-0 win over a technically guided DR Congo that had been surrounded by controversial talks of covid-19.

The shameful elimination of Cameroon from its CHAN is a perfect translation of its lame domestic championship. Fecafoot and Lfpc must also take the blame. Why is there no championship in the country? Your guess is as good as mine. GREED and POWER HUNGRY!

Nevertheless, the CHAN 2020 was an opportunity for Cameroonians to discover some good footballers playing their trade in the domestic league.

1) Salomon Banga Bidjeme was Cameroon’s top scorer in the tournament, The Coton Sport central defender scored twice and was also very solid in defense several times. The central defender demonstrated characteristics of a modem defender. This could be seen from his incursions and quick retreat for defensive chores. At 24, Banga has a bright future in this business.

Etame Ngombe Matanda, Cameroon’s number 4 was also very good on one on one tackles. His bravery was what captured many as he was often likened to the legendary Rigobert Song Bahanag. However, he still has a lot yo do especially from a technical perspective. But he too was really awesome in the axis

Loïc Ako Assomo was arguably Cameroon’s best player in the tournament. Many Cameroonians have been asking where this little man has been hiding, He is quick, technically comfortable on the ball and also very goal hungry. Nonetheless, he would have to improve on his last passes.

2) Again, Cameroonians have proven that they eat football. They drink football. They sleep football. They love football and they know football. The stadiums were very much alive during match days.

3) Aside the unfortunate DR Congo covid-19 row and the ticketing scenario of the Cameroon vs DR Congo match, Cameroon’s organization of the CHAN tournament recorded a resounding success.

There were very little incidents recorded. The different delegations applauded Cameroonians and their legendary hospitality.

The Zambian delegation for example was full of praises to the people of the South West Region for the love their team received throughout their stay there,

Guinea’s captain Jean Mousté did not hide his love for the sports infrastructure he saw and played in when he said: « Cameroon can host the World cup ».