Kamis, 02 Agustus 2007

Cameroon U-23 crowned champs

Cameroon U-23 crowned champs
By Mutiara Hitam Sport & Managemen


CAMEROON Under-23 men's national soccer team has been crowned champions at the All-Africa Games after overcoming Guinea 1-0 at Blida Stadium on Monday evening.
The Indomitable Lions bagged their third gold medal in three consecutive years - 1999, 2003 and 2007 - the fourth time since inception in 1965.In an evenly balanced affair, Cameroon who beat Zambia 2-1 in the semi-finals waited for the 51st
minute.Striker Otobong Ene tore apart the Guinea defence to get the ball past goalkeeper Aziz Keita.
Cameroon coach Mpile Ndtoungou did not make changes to the team that beat fourth finishers Zambia in the semi-final last Thursday.
However, the Cameroonian had to rely on physique against the skillful Guinea side led by enterprising midfielder Ak Bangoura.
The defending champions had chances to complete their mission in the first half but Christian Bekamenga's efforts in the 23rd and 27th minute were ill timed.
Five minutes to full time, Guinea's Idrissa Sylla could have drawn level when left unmarked in the danger zone but headed wide.
When Guinea coach Sekou Sompare introduced Ibrahima Sorry for Ibrahima Coulibaly, the Cameroonian defenders were kept on their toes but goals were not fourth coming.
Cameroonian players celebrated in style their fourth title at the competition.
Coach Ndtoungou was over-joyed but maintained his ultimate was an Olympic qualification.
He said his charges would now go back to Cameroon to prepare for their group Olympic qualifier against Botswana late in August.
Ndtoungou said his team needed to work hard if Cameroon has to qualify for Beijing Games next year.
Guinea received a silver medal for their runner up position while Tunisia got bronze on Sunday for a 1-0 triumph over Zambia in the menĂ­s football.

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