As the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2023 kicks off in Ivory Coast on January 13 nears, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon have set their sights on a historic sixth continental title.
Led by former Indomitable Lions captain and double African champion Rigobert Song, who is making his debut as head coach, Cameroon is determined to add another gold medal to its illustrious history in African football.
Cameroon finds itself in Group C, where they will face tough competition from Senegal, Gambia, and Guinea. The group stage matches are scheduled as follows:
- 15 January: Cameroon vs. Guinea at 17:00 GMT, Charles-Konan-Banny Stadium, Yamoussoukro
- 19 January: Senegal vs. Cameroon at 17:00 GMT, Stade Charles-Konan-Banny, Yamoussoukro
- 23 January: Gambia vs. Cameroon at 17:00 GMT, Stade de la Paix, Bouaké
Cameroon’s path to qualification for the tournament was not without its challenges. They secured their ticket to Côte d’Ivoire by defeating Burundi 3-0 on the final day of qualifiers, securing the top spot in Group C.
One player to watch during the tournament is Vincent Aboubakar, the top scorer in the last TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations with eight goals.
Aboubakar’s ability to hold the ball for his teammates and find the back of the net makes him a crucial offensive asset for the Indomitable Lions. His recent performances at Beşiktaş have showcased his excellence as a pivot in a system that utilizes lane attackers.
Coach Rigobert Song brings a unique approach to the team, emphasizing the Cameroonian fighting spirit known as “hemlè.” Regardless of the playing system, Song values the contribution of wingers in his offensive strategy.
Players are encouraged to stretch the opposing defense by going wide and providing options to the creative midfielders, ensuring numerical superiority in the area where the ball is located.
Cameroon boasts an impressive TotalEnergies AFCON record, with highlights including championship victories in 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, and 2017.
With a rich footballing tradition and a squad of talented players, the Indomitable Lions are eager to add to their storied history in Ivory Coast and bring home a sixth TotalEnergies AFCON gold medal.
As the tournament unfolds, football fans around the world will be closely watching Cameroon’s journey, eager to see if they can achieve their goal of becoming African champions once again.
