Do or die affair for Indomitable Lions of Cameroon against Algeria

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon will be meeting the Algerian national football team on Tuesday at the Mustapha Taker stadium in Blida. The Lions will be looking for redemption after they suffered a 1-0 loss to Algeria when the two sides met in Douala at the Japoma stadium. The home side greatly dominated the match but we’re not clinical enough. Algeria had approached the game with a defensive mindset, trying to hit the Cameroonians on the counter. They eventually won a free kick in the Cameroonian third of the field and were rewarded with a goal when Islam Slimani rose highest to head his side ahead just before half time.

Islam Slimani celebrating his goal against Cameroon

The match was 1-0 at half time with the hosts downcast as they went down the tunnel to the dressing rooms. The second half began with more vigour from the Indomitable Lions but all their possession and fluid passing yielded no fruits as they had no focal point for their attack with Aboubakar Vincent having picked up an injury earlier. Tawamba who had come on in the second half did much to help his side as he had one chance after another to equalise but the Algerian defence held tight. Toko Ekambi also created a number of chances but the final pass was usually disappointing from the wing backs. New coach Rigobert Song, who himself had played for the Indomitable Lions and even captained the team could only look on helplessly as the Algerian team held on for a massive win.

There have been doubts over Song’s suitability to the role of Head coach of Cameroon.

As it stands, Algeria has a great advantage over Cameroon in terms of qualifying for the 2022 World cup in Qatar. The players would need to play better and finish off their chances if they are to have a chance of qualifying. They would need their best players too. Luckily, Rigobert Song announced during his press conference that Vincent Aboubakar was feeling better and could feature against Algeria.

Vincent Aboubakar has been Cameroon’s best player of recent

It is going to be an exciting match to watch and football being what it is, anything could happen. At least the Cameroon players will believe that they still have a chance and their supporters will expect them to throw everything they’ve got at the game to get a win for their country. It will not be an easy task for them and though the Lions will improve, they will probably not have the cutting edge finishing needed for them, hence Algeria will likely seal qualification for the upcoming World cup.