Rwanda 2009 : Cameroon Puts up Honorable Performance

�crit par Danielle NJOCK

02-02-2009

Despite their defeat in the final, the performance of the junior lions augers well for future competitions.
Cameroon began the competition timidly with a one-all draw against the Starlets of Ghana in their first group game. Though the Lions were the first to open scores, they were later caught up by the Black Starlets just before the close of the half time mark. Disappointed by the draw and though tactically good and determined to win, Cameroon could not do better in the next encounter against host Rwanda. They recorded a second consecutive draw against host country Rwanda on an identical 1-1 score.

However, the Lions were to explode in third match against Mali.

With barely two points in two matches, the Lions absolutely needed a victory to qualify for the second round of the tournament and got it in style. Not only did the under Lions obtain a high score (3-0) but succeeded in keeping their goalpost untainted. It was to remain the same in the semifinal match against Nigeria as the Junior Lions preyed on the eaglets 2-0. The first goal came as a result of collective effort from the Cameroonian players. A Cameroonian took advantage of a misunderstanding between a Nigerian defender and the goalkeeper, to snatch the ball and net the crucifier.

Cameroon finally attained the finals without having been beaten in the competition with two victories and two draws recorded and scoring a total of 7 goals. At the final, they were beaten 2-0 by the very Ghana with whom they played a 1-1 draw in the first group encounter. Despite the defeat, Cameroon attained one of the two objectives they had set for the competition. That is, obtaining a qualification for the junior World Cup to take place in Egypt later this year. Just like in the African Cup of Nations in Ghana, Cameroon are once more vice African champions.

Camerountribune.com, 02.02.09

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