Will the match between Cameroon and Namibia, scheduled for Garoua this Saturday at 6pm, be able to take place? Less than two hours before kick-off, nothing is less certain. The reason: Cameroonian U20s and men from the local championship arrived by bus on Friday evening, sent incognito by Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroonian federation, to form a team.
As soon as they arrived, they prepared for the reception of Namibia. Problem: the A team, coached by Marc Brys, has been there since Thursday. And the governor of the region, who is the highest representative of the State on site, warned that if the players sent by Eto’o left their hotel to play the match, he would place them in provisional detention for disturbing public order, as reported by L’Equipe.
A’s passports handed over to the Federation
Preparations for the match had already been disrupted by the conflict between the Minister of Sports, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, – tensions exacerbated since the appointment of Marc Brys as national coach by the ministry – and Samuel Eto’o. While Marc Brys – followed by the players of the A team – wanted the gathering to take place in Yaoundé, the former Cameroonian international preferred Douala or Garoua, a location finally accepted by the CAF (Confederation of African Unity).
Following this disagreement, Marc Brys had persisted in keeping his players in Yaoundé, and Samuel Eto’o… had then summoned U20 players for the gathering. The Prime Minister had been forced to agree to send the A delegation to Garoua to replace them.
While we thought that the match could finally be held, doubts are once again present with this turnaround and the two teams present on site. Especially since Samuel Eto’o demanded, by bailiff, that Marc Brys hand over the passports of the Indomitable Lions to the Federation. Which the A staff ended up doing. Which players will appear on the pitch? Who will supervise them? Will the match take place? The suspense is (still) at its height.
- RMC Sport
