TUNIS, 25 January 2004 — Cameroon’s troubled preparations for an unprecedented third successive African Nations Cup title will be put behind them when they open their campaign with a Group C match against Algeria today.
Already suffering from the death of midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe at last year’s Confederations Cup in France, the Indomitable Lions were further troubled by government interference in the selection of the squad.
“I have the best 22 players here and he is part of the team,” said German-born coach Winfred Schaefer about the government-inspired call-up of veteran striker Patrick Mboma, who was initially left out.
Cameroon, seeking a record fifth title, open their campaign against Algeria in Sousse and Schaefer is keen that the team continue carrying the flag for Africa on the world stage. “We have done a lot for African football in the world, but we also have a lot of respect for the other teams,” he said.
Cameroon’s Pool C opponents Zimbabwe, who are making their first appearance in the showcase of African soccer, will provide the other highlight of play today when they meet Egypt.
In group A, the Democratic Republic of Congo, who lost the services of defender Franck Matingou after not being able to gain international clearance in time, will meet Guinea in Tunis. Matingou won caps at junior level for France and was seeking to take advantage of new eligibility rules that would have allowed him to have played for the Simbas.
