“We can make it, like in 1984.” Crowned African champions in Ivory Coast in 1984, Cameroon had no trouble finding its slogan for the 2023 AFCON in the land of the Elephants. But is a new triumph for the Indomitable Lions really conceivable?At the start of the competition, it is quite difficult to believe. The Cameroon of Rigobert Song struggles to convince and is clearly not among the top favourites. This is due, in particular, to a still stuttering game and results that leave much to be desired. It’s hard not to mention the defeat and draw against Namibia in the qualifiers and the qualification secured only on the last day against Burundi (3-0). The defeat against Senegal (1-0) in October also reminded the five-time African champions of the long road that still separates them from a new crown. AFCON2023: Defending champions Senegal get title defence underway against The GambiaTo make matters worse, injuries have entered the den: Brentford’s Premier League winger Bryan Mbeumo, who became a key player in recent months, withdrew from the tournament. Then, Vincent Aboubakar, the captain and top scorer of the last AFCON, injured his left thigh on Friday, the day before the start of the AFCON. The Cameroonian Football Federation quickly communicated, “This minor injury does not imply unavailability that would hinder the player’s participation in the competition,” as initial alarming reports circulated.##NAJAVA_MECA_7796221##Nevertheless, no one now knows when the Besiktas striker will be fit. And he will likely miss at least the first match against Guinea. He won’t be the only significant absentee. Goalkeeper Andre Onana, who returned to the national team in September after nearly a year of international retirement, has given priority to his club Manchester United, and was in action against Tottenham on Sunday evening. He will join the squad only after this match and will also miss the first game. A choice that is inevitably causing a stir back home. In his stead, Fabrice Ondoa will probably take the place in goal.In the “group of death,” also composed of the reigning Senegalese champions and Gambia, quarter-finalists in the last AFCON, every point will count, and Cameroon hopes not to regret these necessarily detrimental absences. In their upcoming match against Guinea, the Indomitable Lions face a team that has historically performed well in the Africa Cup of Nations. Guinea has reached the knockout phase in six of the last seven editions for which they qualified, demonstrating consistent competitiveness.Andre Onana on his way to AFCON straight after the Man Utd match. ✈️ Cameroon play today. 🇨🇲 pic.twitter.com/6PuvAHhCE6— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) January 15, 2024 Despite being stripped of the hosting rights for the next AFCON in 2025, Guinea enters the match with confidence after a 2-0 friendly triumph over Nigeria, marking their third win in the last five outings (D1, L1). The team, led by coach Kaba Diawara, has won two of their last twelve meetings with Cameroon, including victories in their most recent two encounters.Ondoa boasts a strong record of just one defeat in nine AFCON games (W4, D4). On the other side, Guinea’s striker Serhou Guirassy poses a significant threat, having scored an impressive 19 goals in 18 appearances for both club and country this season. Guirassy has been instrumental in winning 11 out of the 12 matches in which he has found the net. The clash between Ondoa and Guirassy will be a crucial element in determining the outcome of the match.AFCON 2023- GROUP STAGESaturday Ivory Coast – Guinea B. 2-0 (1-0)/Fofana 4, Krasso 58/SundayNigeria – Equatorial Guinea 1-1 (1-1)/Osimhen 38 – Salvador 36/Egypt – Mozambique 2-2 (1-0)/Mohamed 2, Salah 90+7 pen – Witi 55, Bauque 58/Ghana – Cape Verde 1-2 (0-1)/Djiku 56 – Monteiro 17, Rodrigues 90+2/Monday 17.00: (1.40) Senegal (4.60) Gambia (10.5)20.00: (2.15) Cameroon (3.25) Guinea (3.90)23.00: (1.45) Algeria (4.10) Angola (8.50)Tuesday 17.00: (1.75) Burkina Faso (3.60) Mauritania (5.70)20.00: (1.40) Tunisia (4.60) Namibia (10.5)23.00: (2.15) Mali (3.25) S.Africa (3.90)Wednesday 20.00: (1.30) Morocco (5.80) Tanzania (12.0)23.00: (2.40) Dr Congo (3.20) Zambia (3.40)***odds are subject to change***
