The victory of the indomitable Lions last weekend came to continue a remarkable series of 34 games of AFCON playoffs.
This performance highlights the 'overkill' character of the Lions at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in sports. Last and 26th victory to date, the goal from Vincent Aboubakar brought to 73 the number of goal achievements of Lions at home. Proving tough against the DRC, Stéphane Mbia and his teammates blocked at 18, the number of goals conceded at home.
30 years, without falling, there is a certain sacredness in the relationship between Lions and this mythical arena. High and sometimes reviled in the Mfandena Bowl, the Lions remained conquerors in the bowl. In 1984 the local Championship was side and most of the players of the national team for the most part came from there.
The Lions were preparing to take part in the NPC in Côte d'Ivoire. But before qualifying, they had to eliminate Sudan in Yaounde. Théophile Abega, then captain, and his teammates inflicted a hammering defeat on the Sudanese selection (5-2). Qualified for the 1984 AFCON, Lions gripped their first African champion title.
Isaac Sinkot alias 'Zimbabwe', Marcus Arantes, Emmanuel Kunde, Emmanuel Maboang Kang, Thomas Nkono, Salomon Olembe, Joseph Désiré Job, Rigobert Song, Samuel Eto, Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting and today Clinton Njie, have not folded into the bowl.
On the contrary, as the Spartans, they fought each time, to concede a match nil all at least. And since then, the Lions have remained untouchable and indomitable at the Omnisports Stadium.
