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20 April 2024

Inter hitman expects Lions to roar in Angola

Eto'o, right, plans to fire Cameroon to a fifth African title. (GETTY IMAGES)

Published
By AFP

Star striker Samuel Eto'o says Cameroon are set to inflict more pain on neighbours Gabon when they clash in the Africa Cup of Nations today.

The central Africa countries came face-to-face twice within four days last September in qualifiers for the 2010 Angola tournament and a Cameroon team revitalised by French coach Paul le Guen triumphed both home and away.

Inter Milan hitman Eto'o scored in Libreville and again in Yaounde and says his Nations Cup targets are to lead the Indomitable Lions to a fifth title and beat the individual goal record for a tournament (9).

"Our nickname has plenty of significance. The lion symbolises someone who wants to command territory, earn respect and be feared. We will do our best to become kings of Africa," said Eto'o on the eve of the Group D match at the Tundavala Stadium in Lubango.

"The coach [Le Guen] united us at a difficult time last year when we had to win games. He is a great psychologist and a great coach with modern ideas. We are thrilled that his contract has been renewed.

"We are playing as a unit, which explains our run of victories in the qualifying competition and are ready to challenge Ghana, Ivory Coast and Nigeria for the title," added Eto'o.

Eto'o, midfielders Jean Makoun and Alexandre Song, defender Rigobert Song and goalkeeper Idriss Kameni form the core of a Cameroon team seeking to emulate their compatriots of 1984, 1988, 2000 and 2002 in conquering Africa.

Their quest starts against Gabon tonight.

 

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