By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo, sportswriter (Cameroon)
The Intermediate Lions of Cameroon seem to be in a tight corner after being held in 1-1 tie by Mali in the second day of the ongoing African Nation Championship, CHAN.
Staged January 20 in Yaounde, Cameroon would have made the day exciting following Salomon Banga Bindjeme first half header but Mali through Issaka Samake balanced the score line minutes after; the score that remained unchanged after the final whistle.
However, the 1-1 draw would have meant nothing but the results from the second group game put Cameroon, host of the 6th edition in a balance.
With victory of Burkina Faso against Zimbabwe who are technically out of the competition, Cameroon must avoid a defeat in the last match schedule to take place on Sunday January 24.
In fact, to avoid complications, the Intermediate Lions of Cameroon must win the game to guarantee a place in the second round of the competition. The show will surely be a difficult one given that Burkina Faso after their second day win will be aiming to continue in the winning ways.
Cameroon has to close the gaps and make sure that they entertain their counterpart whose aim will be to qualify for the nest round of the competition.
A win for Cameroon will directly take them to the second round but a draw will make Cameroon to qualify only following the outcome of the second match of the group; Mali against Zimbabwe.
A defeat for Cameroon will make things difficult for the host, as goal advantage will have to be considered at this stage if the other group game end in a tie.
Nevertheless, Cameroon have always sailed through in times of difficulties like this but Sunday January 24 will have the best answer.
This article was initially published by Mysoccer24.com and has been re-published by Sbk Sports Mail with permission as an official media partner.
Discover more from Sbk Sports Mail | Latest Sports News, Insights, and Features from Uganda, East Africa & Around the World
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
AROUND THE SPORTING WORLD
- How Namuwongo Blazers Refused to Lose: Inside a Game 7 That Needed Overtime to Decide a Champion
Two comebacks, blown leads, tactical adjustments from both benches, and enough tension to stretch across an entire season had already been spent by the time Game 7 tipped off, and still there was more basketball left to play than either side could have wanted. - Entebbe UPPC Face Vipers Test with Key Players Sidelined
With several first-team players watching from the sidelines, Entebbe UPPC must find solutions from within their available squad. - Vipers Begin Title Defence Against Entebbe UPPC at Kitende
The encounter, scheduled for 8pm and live on Sanyuka Prime TV, brings the long-awaited return of top-flight football and immediately places the defending champions under the spotlight. For Vipers, it is an opportunity to begin their pursuit of another league crown on a positive note, while Entebbe UPPC will be eager to spoil the champions' opening night. - Kawempe Muslim Set for CBE Rematch in CAFWCL Semifinal
The semifinal will provide CBE with a chance to respond after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Kawempe Muslim during the group stage. The Valley Warriors already know they can overcome their Ethiopian opponents, but they will expect CBE to approach the rematch with greater determination and a different tactical plan. - KCCA Leopards Crush Stormers to Secure NBL Bronze
The Leopards produced an impressive display of attacking basketball and defensive discipline, building a commanding advantage early before responding strongly to a brief second-half revival from the Stormers.
