The Indomitable Lions determined to avoid another Namibia heartbreak

By Katche Rene

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon are set to face the Brave Warriors of Namibia in a high-stakes 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday in Garoua. With the tournament scheduled to be hosted in Morocco, the importance of this match cannot be overstated, as it marks Cameroon’s first step in their qualifying journey. The match takes on added significance for both teams, particularly for Cameroon, as they look to settle an old score after Namibia handed them a 2-1 defeat during the 2022 Afcon qualifiers.

The lead-up to Saturday’s game has been anything but smooth for the Cameroonian side. A series of disputes between the Cameroon Football Federation and the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education threatened to derail the team’s preparations. The disagreements, which centered on administrative and logistical matters, created a rift that many feared would affect the team’s focus ahead of such a crucial match. Cameroon’s Prime Minister, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute had to swiftly intervene and deactivate the bomb.

However, just hours before the game, peace seems to have been somehow restored. Both Fecafoot and Minsep seem to have agreed on a temporary ceasefire, allowing the team to shift its full attention to the task at hand. Players and coaching staff are visibly relaxed, with scenes of camaraderie and laughter in the training camp dispelling any notion of lingering tension. The air of tranquility in the Lions’ den suggests that the earlier drama has had no lasting effect on the players’ morale.

The Indomitable Lions have approached their training sessions with fierce determination, mindful of the significance of today’s clash. A series of rigorous training drills, both physical and tactical, have been the order of the day to ensure that the team is in peak condition. Despite the earlier friction between the federation and its titular authorities, the players’ preparation appears to be thorough and focused.

The Cameroonian squad has been working on a balanced approach to Saturday’s game, honing their attacking prowess while fortifying their defense to prevent a repeat of last year’s painful defeat. Training sessions have also emphasized set pieces and counterattacks, crucial areas that could tip the balance in such a tightly contested encounter.

Meanwhile, captain Vincent Aboubakar and other senior squad members such as Faï Collins André Franck Zambo Anguissa, Martin Hongla and André Onana, known for their leadership both on and off the pitch, have been instrumental in keeping spirits high among the squad. Their experience and determination to lead the team to a successful AFCON campaign are evident in every drill, with their teammates rallying around them. The entire squad seems united, and ready to avenge the defeat suffered at the hands of Namibia last year.

For Cameroon, this match is about more than just earning three points—it’s personal. The memory of the 2-1 loss to Namibia in the return leg of the 2022 Afcon qualifiers still lingers. That defeat in South Africa has undoubtedly left a bitter taste, and Saturday’s game offers the perfect opportunity for Cameroon to restore its pride over the Namibia.

The Namibian team, often regarded as underdogs, surprised many with their victory last year. However, the Indomitable Lions have had time to reflect and analyze what went wrong in that fixture. With a better understanding of Namibia’s tactics and strengths, Cameroon will likely come out today with a renewed sense of purpose, eager to show that they remain one of Africa’s footballing powerhouses.

For players like Aboubakar, Ekambi, André Onana and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, this game is not just about qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations but also about sending a message that the Lions will not be underestimated.

Despite the earlier administrative issues, the atmosphere around the team has transformed into one of optimism and calm. The players seem relaxed, and the unity within the squad is palpable. Video footage from Thursday’s final training session shows players smiling, joking, and maintaining a light-hearted energy. And this shows how ready they are for the match.

It’s clear that the team has put any distractions behind them, and their focus is now solely on the game. This sense of serenity in the Lions’ den is a positive sign for fans, who will be hoping that the players can channel this calm confidence into a strong performance on the pitch. As the Lions step onto the field today, they do so knowing that this game sets the tone for their entire qualifying campaign. Securing a win would give them a vital boost in the standings and strengthen their chances of making it to Morocco in 2025. More than that, a victory against Namibia would be a statement of intent, an indication that Cameroon is ready to bounce back from recent disappointments and reassert its dominance on the African stage.

On the other hand, a loss would be a major setback. Namibia, a team that has shown resilience and potential, will not make it easy for the Lions. Their own aspirations of Africa Cup of Nations glory hinge on these qualifiers, and they will be looking to cause another upset. And so, coach Marc Brys and his troop will need to be at their best if they are to avoid a repeat of last year’s heartbreak.