Camereoon Team News
Cameroon is one of the strongest team in Africa. They are a regular in the African Nations Cup and World Cup. They also also won the previous 2 African Nations Cup.
Cameroon also alot of good players playing in Europe. Example of some European based players are captain Rigobert Song (defender, RC Lens, France), forward Samuel Eto'o (Real Mallorca, Spain), midfielder Geremi Njitap (Chelsea. England) and midfielder Eric Djemba Djemba (Manchester United, England). Beside these players, there are also alot of other players playing in Europe.
Right-back Perrier Doumbe will miss this match due to an injury.
Zimbawee Team News
Zimbawee is one of the weaker teams in Africa. This is their first appearance in the African Nations Cup. Most of their players are based in South Africa and local clubs. Only forward Peter Ndlovu played in Europe for Sheffield United, England.
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Cameroon as Cup holder qualified automatically for the African Nations Cup together with host Tunisia.
Zimbawee Qualifiying Round Record
P6 W4 D1 L1 F18 A3 LWWLDW
Zimbabwe 2 Eritrea 0
Mali 0 Zimbabwe 0
Seychelles 2 Zimbabwe 1
Zimbabwe 3 Seychelles 1
Eritrea 0 Zimbabwe 1
Zimbawee 1 Mali 0
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Zimbawee qualified as the best runner up from the groups containing 4 teams. They had done well against Mali, one of the emerging strong African teams. Zimbawee had won Mali at home and draw with Mali away.
Cameroon starts their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Algeria. From match reports, they dominated the game but missed a handful of goal scoring chances. Zimbawee lost 1-2 to Egypt in the first game.
Cameroon is unlucky to draw with Zimbawee. They must win Zimbawee to have a good chance to qualify for the quarter final. With their European stars and experience, they win against a weaker Zimbawee. I will back Cameroon to win with full confidence. But with an asian handicap of -1 1/4, I will place a smaller bet. Cameroon should win, but whether they can clear the handicap is another matter. Afterall Zimbawee had not lost to Mali in the qualifying round and lost narrowly to Egypt, another strong team.
