Cote D’Ivoire need just one point to book their place at the Equatorial Guinea 2015 but already qualified Cameroon may not offer their back as a stepping stone.
When Cote D’Ivoire were snuffing out the Leone Stars on Friday in Abidjan, both fans and pundits were reminding all that a similar pitch action, 4-1, should be taken against Cameroon when they arrive for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final qualifier against the Ivorians on Wednesday.
The Indomitable Lions sailed through to the finals after edging bitter rivals DR Congo 1-0 on Saturday and statistically have nothing at stake while facing the Ivorians. However, the current blistering form of the central African team and their resolve to use the upcoming encounter as a prelude to preparations for the Afcon may turn into a backbreaking task for the Elephants.
Cameroon have won four of their five qualifying games, drawing one against Sierra Leone and totalling nine goals.
In the reverse fixture played in the Cameroonian capital, Yaounde, early September, Cote D’Ivoire suffered an awful 4-1 setback which coach Herve Renard has promised to atone for during the return leg.
The Frenchman’s sponge-like defence has been a major drawback since he began his reform months ago.
The return of Liverpool’s Kolo Toure and former Tottenham midfielder Didier Zokora are expected to actually prevent Cameroon from exposing them as was the case in the first leg.
The Ivorian midfield has been struggling, largely because of Yaya Toure’s uninspiring drive so far, which has led to poor construction, untimely and insufficient supplies to the attacking line.
Known for their ability to go all out when pushed against the wall, the Elephants could hold or harm the Lions to snatch their ticket on Wednesday, counting also on sure support from local fans who naturally don’t seem to have any penchant for the Cameroon team.
However, the visitors might want to stage a good fight in favour of their neighbours DR Congo, whom they would love to see participate at the tournament set to take place in their central African region.
